Three Things We Owe Each Other

'Encouraged...by...mutual faith.' Romans 1:12 NKJV

Paul talks about three things we owe each other. Let’s look at them: (1) ‘Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.’(Romans 1:9 NKJV) An unknown poet wrote, ‘I was a poor soul in the depth of despair, who climbed to the heights in answer to prayer.’ You can show no greater love and concern for someone than to say, ‘I’m praying for you,’ and do it! Prayer is submitting to God in the situation, letting Him know your requests and asking for His will to be done.  

(2) ‘I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.’(Romans 1:11 NKJV) What did Paul long for? The chance to strengthen his fellow believers, and he was willing to travel a long way at great personal risk to do it. When two people decide to recognise and nurture the God–given gifts in each other, not only are they blessed personally, everybody around them benefits too.

(3) ‘That I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.’Notice the words ‘encouraged’ and ‘mutual faith’. There are powerful dynamics at work here! First, we pray for one another. Second, we recognise and nurture God’s gifts in one another. Third, we unite our faith and focus on a shared goal. Paul said: ‘For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.’ (Romans 14:17-19 NAS)