September 2, 2024

Romans 1:1-15  (HCSB)
God’s Good News for Rome
1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and singled out for God’s good news— 2 which He promised long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and who has been declared to be the powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness. 5 We have received grace and apostleship through Him to bring about the obedience of faith among all the nations, on behalf of His name, 6 including yourselves who also belong to Jesus Christ by calling: 7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s Desire to Visit Rome 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. 9 For God, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about His Son, is my witness that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I want very much to see you, so I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 Now I want you to know, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the good news to you also who are in Rome.

Haley Dorris
As I prepared to write this devotion, the phrase “mutually encouraged” from verse 12 kept jumping out at me. Have you ever, or do you currently, struggle with a sin that you want to keep buried way down deep? I certainly have. A few years ago, I attended a Passion Conference with other church members. During one of the last sessions, we were encouraged to share with those around us a sin that we had been struggling with. To say that I did not want to share would be an understatement! However, despite my discomfort, I shared that long buried sin with two trusted friends. It was terrifying, but I learned a few things from that experience. First, a little discomfort from God can be a good thing. Next, keeping a sin buried gives that sin power over you. Finally, it is so important to find other believers that encourage your faith while simultaneously encouraging theirs. Do you have someone that encourages and strengthens your faith? Are you that person for someone?