Romans 1:12 “…each of us by the other’s faith….”
Observation: Beginning in verse 11 Paul clearly tells the reasons why he wants to visit the saints in Rome: He wants to impart some spiritual gifts into the believers, thus obtaining fruit from his time among them (v. 13). But he also expects to receive from them in the same way that friends sharpen one another even as iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17) He knows that both parties will benefit from the journeys each has had in the faith.
Application: I draw from these verses the idea of intentionality. Paul headed to Rome fully intending to impart truth through his life experiences fueled by his seasoned knowledge of the Gospel. Yet there is nowhere the suggestion that this elder statesman in the faith carried an air of superiority; indeed, he fully expects that he himself would benefit by exposure to what he might glean from the Roman believers. Already famous, he none-the-less retains the hunger of a student, one who knew that though he already possessed truth by the indwelling Spirit of Truth, he knew the sufferings of his Roman brothers and sisters would increase his own faith. Paul seems to be elevating expectations for their time together, and he is telegraphing that expectation in advance of his arrival.
By writing these expectations to his soon-to-be hosts, Paul placed high value on what they could teach him.
I wonder, do I similarly announce such intentionality of purpose to those I plan to spend time with? Or do I just let my Saturday golf date or our Tuesday breakfast unfold naturally along the lines of shared aches and pains, challenges at work, or grousing over governmental leadership not to my liking? The new recipe, junior’s teething progress, rehearsing the winning play by the University of Anywhere….
I have found that if I don’t set an expectation that my friends and I will hope to share about what God has been teaching, our conversations rarely go there on their own. But if I announce at the beginning of the family meal a more meaningful expectation, then everyone’s hearts can expand with fresh encouragement. The best way to begin? “…Let me tell you something God showed me yesterday.”
Prayer: Father, you are constantly at work in the lives of my friends and family and me. Forgive me, Lord, for all the opportunities I have missed to purposefully enter into conversation that you would breathe on to encourage and bless us all. Give me the courage to set the tone. You are constantly active in our lives. Bring to my remembrance a lesson learned, a blessing received, during your walk with me over the years, or in the recent past. In Jesus’ name, Amen.