Encouraging each other's Faith

 

This morning, for my edification, I read through the first two chapters of the book of Romans. No sooner had I gone two minutes into the book than 'Romans 1v8-12' jumped out and engaged my attention.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Romans 1:8–12)

 

Intriguingly, Paul’s desire and love for the Roman believers whom he had neither met nor seen was fascinating. Except for a few of his former companions who now lived in Rome (Romans 16:1–16), he had only heard about their faith. What was it that zealously drew Paul to the Roman brethren that he prayed for them always (Romans 1:9–10)? Two things:

 

First, it was all about their faith in God that was being proclaimed all over the world (Romans 1:8). The gospel had been preached among the gentiles who were now calling upon the Lord. The transformation was so vivid that their testimony spread like a world fire. Paul, who was an apostle to the gentiles could not resist but praise the Lord for his grace upon a people who were once outcasts, barbarians, and vagabonds. But now; brothers and sisters in the Lord. It was God’s work of grace in Church at Rome that brought joy, gladness, and a yearning in Paul to share in their encouragement. 

 

Second, that first-hand experience of faith’s freshness from a mutual encouragement born from that continuous fellowship with the brethren (Romans 1:11–12). Paul’s intention to meet up with the church at Rome was to experience a mutual encouragement of faith. Paul never regarded himself as that great apostle who goes around encouraging the weak, and healing the troubled, No! Even with his higher calling, Paul considered himself as a mere servant of God who needed encouragement from other believers as well; strengthening, and growing each other’s faith.

 

Contrary to this virtue of encouraging each other’s faith in this world, we have become so individualistic to the detriment of each other. We are no longer paracletes (brother’s keepers); instead, we fight each other and walk alone. We easily forget that this world we live in seeks to butcher our Faith; rust it, fade it and dry it up. Literary, Satan jumps on our shoulders to disorient, buffet, and toss us to and from. Our own flesh’s propensity to sin works simultaneously with the evil one dragging us into friendless filth. By the time we realize we miserably question our faith, God’s love, and our usefulness in God’s kingdom. Thank God he is still gracious with us!

 

Romans 1:8–12 is worth a thousand and more perusals. What a blessing, and how wonderful, in the likeness of the apostle Paul, if we would learn the virtue of encouraging each other’s faith in the church. Much growth would be experienced by the majority. So, what is our lesson? Two things: 

 

Here is the first lesson. Learn to deliberately nurture a culture of looking forward to praising God for the work of grace done in other believers. We must pray to see the wonders of our God among his flock even while their weakness and failures linger. To watch God’s grace, faithfulness, and love at work in others is a great blessing. Such was Paul’s heart. Like with the Roman believers, Paul loved them and was so thankful to God for the Corinthian believers even calling them sanctified in Christ (1Corinthians 12,4).

 

Brethren, just by this simple attitude of celebrating the work of grace in others God will bless your heart and encourage your faith.

Here is the second lesson. Learn to deliberately nurture a culture of frequently being with other believers with a single purpose of encouraging each other’s faith. Yes, there is a time for correction, reproof, rebuke, and debate. However, a time of encouraging others should be more pronounced. It is so unfortunate majority of believers spend their precious time trashing talking, growling, and amusing over others’ sins and failures. May it not be so with us. Let us meet and practice virtues that strengthen and grow our faith and the Lord’s church. To encourage the inner man and bring a freshness to our faith.

Brethren, like the apostle Paul who longed to visit the Roman Church to celebrate God’s work of grace in them, and experience mutual encouragement with each other’s faith, may that be said of us in the church and among those who hear of our faith. Amen!