Reciprocal Blessing...

Romans 1:6-7, 10-12

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people...One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Paul is a man of intentionality. He uses his platform as an apostle to communicate with passion and purpose in all he teaches. Notice the key words of this passage: included, called, belong, loved. He begins to paint a picture for us of the forethought of God in enveloping us in His family. We were not just an afterthought. We were known before the foundation of the world...and He adores us. 

Paul not only desires for us to understand our special place in God's heart, but the intentionality that God built into our interactions with one another. First, look at the heart that motivates Paul. He writes that he longs to see the other believers. Second, look at the purpose for his longing. He desires to share a spiritual blessing intended to promote growth in their walk with the Lord, and to encourage them in their faith. However, he also yearns to be personally encouraged in his faith.  

Imagine what the body of Christ would look like if we all lived with a longing to spend time together in order to help one another grow in the Lord and be encouraged in the faith? Think of all of the marriages that would be saved, the hearts that would find healing, the doubters that would find answers, the parents who would find a listening ear and words of wisdom, the students who would feel cared for and understood. The outcome is limitless because the God who has called us has equipped us to do all that He has asked us to do for one another. 

Today...find someone with whom you can share the reciprocal blessing.