26/04/2016 - MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED

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…that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.     Romans 1.12

Paul shows that he wanted to see the brethren in Rome to tell them about some special gift, so that they might feel comforted. When we have a desire that comes from God, we must do that which is possible to make it come true, for without this blessing many will remain without divine help. The Lord works through those that obey Him, and not through His angels or archangels. 

All of Jesus´ followers should have this same desire. Thus, their encounter with the brethren in Christ, in order to enrich them with many blessings, would be awaited with great expectation. As long as we have the Lord´s guidance, everything will take place as it should. Now, if we act based on some orientation that comes from some field of science, it will not work as God wants to. 

The apostle spoke about being mutually encouraged by the faith God had granted to him and to the Roman brethren. Behind these words, there is a revelation that we will never attain if we do not obey the instructions of the Most High.  The faith He gives to one person is so strong  that it will solve their problem, if they act like faith teaches them to act, and it will be of great use to help other people, for this faith brings a covering that will shelter them. 

The apostle thought of going to Rome to bear some fruit. It would be good if Christians did the same during their vacation. After all, when we communicate what God has given us and receive what He has given to others, our life improves a lot and we help one another. Now, that is why the Lord tells us to do good to others, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Gal 6:10). 

To Paul, salvation made him a debtor to Greeks and to the barbarians, both to wise and to unwise (Rom 1:14). Likewise, we must go to the people of the Earth, because they are our brethren by the ties of Adam and Noah. Ever since Jesus paid the price to save all mankind, why do we despise one and love the other? To our God, it doesn’t matter if the person is from a first world country or from a fourth world country. 

The apostle said he was ready to proclaim the Gospel to the inhabitants of Rome, for he knew that the Gospel was the power of God. Just like him, we have to prepare ourselves to proclaim the Good-News in all nations. When the Lord opens us a door, we must enter it quickly and not try to prepare ourselves in the last minute. The servants of the Most High need to get ready before the first bell. 

Think of what you do in the divine work; after all, you were conducted to the Kingdom of God for a reason. Most assuredly, we were saved to serve and take the power of God to those who suffer. Then, in the blink of an eye, we will see people from many places bowing before the Most High, just like it happened to Jonah in Niniveh (Jn 3:5). 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares