“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11-12 ESV).
God made us for Himself and fashioned within us a deep need for fellowship. As Christ-followers our spiritual growth and strength is very much connected to coming together with other believers for mutual encouragement. Certainly the apostle Paul knew this and expressed his longing to fellowship with the believers in Rome that both he and they might be spiritually encouraged.
Yet the sin nature tempts us to isolation. Living apart from Christ’s body of believers for any length of time makes us spiritually vulnerable to the evil one’s attack. We need the spiritual gifting of each other to sharpen and strengthen us.
As the Lord said after creating Adam, “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). We all need the mutual encouragement of fellowship.
PRAYER: Lord, help us to always share our spiritual gifts with one another, so that we are able to give and receive the spiritual encouragement that they bring. For spiritual gifts are meant for our mutual edification. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.