Why We Need to Encourage One Another in Faith
- meetgodattheedgeof
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Romans 1:11-12
[11] For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. [12] When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Attending church is such a blessing for those of us who are able. It is truly a gift from God and should be celebrated as such. When you read the verses above, what do you think they mean for us now? Obviously, they were specifically for the Roman church, fellow followers in Paul's time.
Now, these verses are reminding us of something that is missing and often not even thought about by a lot of us. There are people who are modern-day apostles, and as we see from Paul, he needs to be encouraged just as much as the people he is writing to. It eliminates the idea of a hierarchy in church and instead opens our eyes: YOU need to encourage people also. We are called to encourage one another in faith.
It's easy to slip into the position of, "I need help, let's go to church and see what they have to offer me." Oftentimes, the Lord uses our service to others to encourage and strengthen us the most. Even people who look like strong leaders need to have their faith boosted by brothers and sisters who make time to talk and listen.
This reminds us that we need fellowship, and it actually works. When we gather and talk, just seeing how someone endured temptation or a trial and trusted God will be an encouragement. It will increase everyone's faith and help them trust and endure through their own trials, which we know are coming. This is why it is so important that we encourage one another in faith. We all need it.
As we walk into church, let's change our outlook and look for ways to encourage and motivate others to good works. In doing this, and with all of us committing to it, all of our needs will be met. We see this idea over and over in the Bible: it is our hearts that God is interested in changing first.
You have something to offer. Your story and situations are as unique as you, and sharing can and will bolster everyone's faith. We see people bail out of church way too quickly, and because of that, we miss opportunities to bless and be blessed.
Finding something to talk about in church should not be difficult, but it can be intimidating. Let's try our best not to divert into meaningless talk. Remembering the purpose of our conversation is important, and that should keep the subject on things that glorify God, not football.
What better way to show our love for each other than to encourage one another in faith by sharing what the Lord is doing in our lives?
Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
[9] For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. [10] Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. [11] So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
