Encouragement is one of those universal tools that can be used by anyone wishing to benefit another person or group. For Christians, encouragement can be especially effective when we transfer to others the encouragement God implants in our lives. The apostle Paul was a master at this, as he sprinkled uplifting words throughout His writings, always highlighting God’s gracious goodness in it various forms.
Romans chapter 15 is no exception. Paul exalts Jesus Christ while urging his readers to pass on to others the things God had given them in Christ. Regardless of each other’s spiritual stage of maturity, Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up (Romans 15:2). As always, Jesus is the Christian’s supreme example, as Christ did not please himself (Rom 15:3a). Paul then reminds us of two things God uses to inspire hope within believers, endurance and… encouragement of the Scriptures (Rom 15:4b).
The most common vehicle used by God throughout history for transporting encouragement and spiritual education to His people has been His Word. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction (Rom 15:4a). History is remarkably cyclical, with lessons from the past remaining relevant and applicable today. As we read and learn from God’s Word we are equipped to look forward with increased determination to persevere in the faith, growing to be more Christlike and more effective in helping others to be Christlike also. And as we all know, this requires endurance on our part which only God can provide.
However, the encouragement of the Scriptures is critical for our hearts to rise above the difficulties of life with a lasting hope that is centred in Jesus Christ. Which is why Paul prays in Romans 15:5-7, May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul follows this short prayer with a helpful and practical instruction, Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Paul was thinking that as the Word of God encourages us, we are to pass it onto others. The most obvious way we do this is through forwarding verses that God has used to encourage us. With modern technology, this is easy to do. However, Paul has an even more impactful method in mind that often gets overlooked. Once again, this second method centres on relationships. No surprizes there!
Choosing to be the person of harmony in our church relationships is a must. Again, the standard and example are Jesus, as we apply the character of Christ in our speech and behaviour, so we act in alignment with Jesus in our relationships. For those who ask, “what’s that look like”? Paul explains it becomes evident as we prioritise joining our lives for the common purpose of glorifying God through Jesus Christ. This is how we apply God’s Word in such a real way that the world will not be able to ignore it.
As we know, for the church to have one voice, it requires each Christian to be humble, gracious, patient, and selfless with love, just as Jesus is with us. These character qualities will enable us to genuinely welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. May each of us be proactive in applying God’s Word by encouraging others, for God’s glory in other’s lives and for the blessing of everyone in the body of Christ.
