Scripture to Read: Romans 16:1–16
As God showed us yesterday, the believers that God used in Paul’s life, both to serve him and to serve our Lord within His church, were to be greeted, commended, gladly received in a manner worthy of the saints, helped in whatever manner was needed, and even greeted with a holy kiss. So again, yesterday, we were challenged to encourage the believers in our lives by using similar words of affirmation and encouragement that God had led Paul to use so that we build each other up in our walk with our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6). Of course, today, we still greet each other when we see each other, which is always good. But for those in our friend group, community group/Sunday School class, and those we serve alongside in ministry, we also need to pray for each other daily (Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is powerful, and God wants us to lay each other before His throne of grace each day as He accomplishes His work in and through us. The fellowship and friendship we have with one another are all based on the way we love each other (Matthew 22:37–40, John 13:34–35, Colossians 3:14). What God has revealed to us, through Paul in Romans 16 was the genuine love Paul had for the believers that were in his life. God is using this to remind us all how important the believers are in our lives and never to take the relationships God has given us for granted.
Challenge & Application
· How do you encourage the believers that are in your life, and how do they encourage you each day or week?
· How are you sacrificially serving the believers in your life, and how are they doing the same for you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!