Scripture to Read: Romans 15:29
Words of encouragement are incredibly important to us all. God had Paul write a quick word of encouragement to the believers in Rome in Romans 15:29, “I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” God used Paul to tell the believers that he was sure that when he finally got to Rome to see his brothers and sisters in Christ, that our Lord would give them a richly blessed time with each other. We love the anticipation when we know that someone special to us is coming for a visit. We will plan for them, and we will get everything in order so that when they arrive, the time together is that much better. God used Paul, again and again, to encourage believers as God led him to write His Word. We read in Colossians 4:7–8, “As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. 8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.” So we see how God had Paul send Tychicus back to the church in Colossae to encourage them. God did the same thing through Paul when He had him send Timothy to the believers in Thessalonica, as we see in 1 Thessalonians 3:2–3. There are many examples like this throughout God’s Word. The point is that God wants to use us as His encouragers today, so let’s encourage.
Challenge & Application
How has God used people in your life to be an encouragement to you?
How are you being used by our Lord to encourage those around you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!