Romans 1:12: That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Paul would communicate something, but the believers in Rome would also communicate something to him. They would be mutually blessed in the Word. I had the privilege of speaking to a conference of over a thousand students. I laid it on the line for those folk and was a little hard on them at the beginning. Then I saw how wonderfully they responded, and it opened my eyes to a new world. I left that conference singing praises to God for the privilege of being there. While I was ministering to them, they were ministering to me. This is what Paul is talking about here. 1
This mutuality is always one of the grand underlying motivations for ministry. When you experience it, you long for more. Paul could not get enough! 2
Application
- When you wake up, do ask God to strengthen and encourage you throughout the day?
- Once you receive His encouragement, you will be a blessing to others. Work on building this relationship of encouragement with Him each day. Let Him disciple you.
Prayer
Lord, as You encourage me, teach me how to be an encouragement to others.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
