Paul’s love letter for mutual encouragement
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported over all the world … constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 1:8; 9–12 (NIV)
Who has encouraged you in your faith? A parent, grandparent, pastor, friend, perhaps someone you are meeting for the first time? Paul’s letter to the Romans, whom he plans to see but has not yet met, begins with wonderful words of encouragement to new Christians in Rome: “…that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”.
I will never forget attending a Kogudus renewal ministry weekend retreat many years ago. At the retreat, each participant received a handwritten letter from a fellow Christian, unknown to us, assuring us of their prayers for the retreat and encouraging us in our faith. What a gift that was! That retreat certainly bore rich fruit in my life of faith.
I love that, in writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul hopes that his visit will encourage him, even as he encourages them. It’s not just a one-way street: Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, looks to others, even new Christians, to build him up in faith. That’s a great model for us too. We need each other in our life of faith. Faith is lived out in relationship, both with God and with others. No Christian is self-sufficient. Mutual encouragement builds us all up.
How can we give and receive encouragement to one another in our life of faith? We can share our struggles, joys, doubts and hopes with fellow Christians in the Body of Christ. We can do this in our small groups, at a retreat, in our after-church conversations over a cuppa, or with a friend. A letter, a phone call or text message, a visit to a church member who cannot come to church means a lot and blesses us too. Through such small gestures, we become instruments of God’s grace, assuring one another that we never walk the journey of faith alone.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the ways you encourage and bless us through others. Help us to be generous in our encouragement of others so that together we may be built up in our Christian life, more able to serve you and others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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