WILLING TO BLESS
Romans 1:11-12 (TLB)
_“For I long to visit you so that I can impart to you the faith that will help your church grow strong in the Lord. Then, too, I need your help, for I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: Each of us will be a blessing to the other.”_
As I drive out from my gated community and estate, I can’t help but note the sharp contrast between the estates and the poverty I observe in some of the impoverished indigent neighbourhoods I pass. People in need included those who were without the necessities of food and shelter. These distinctions made it easier for me to visualise and articulate the things and impact we wanted to incorporate into our vision planning for our church’s activities in the community, Abuja, and the Nation. Part of our mission is to provide gospel resources; anything that God has provided that can help share the good news of His salvation and Love, wherever they are most needed.
In Romans 1:8-17, Paul had not yet been to Rome when he wrote to the Roman believers in Jesus. Nevertheless, he expressed his desire to see them because he said, “I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to make you strong,” meaning that they may both benefit from each other’s faith. The apostle anticipated exchanging gifts (material and non-material) that would help him and others in their desire to serve others and live for Jesus. Paul says he wants to impart some spiritual gift to help them get stronger. This is about the mutual support and strengthening that occurs when believers band together, not about him having a supernatural ability to give them. Paul emphasises the desire for mutual encouragement based on their common faith. Paul hoped to both supply the church at Rome with his blessings and be resourced by them, just like earlier Gentile churches had done.
He was ready to teach and live the gospel even in Rome because he felt obligated to do so to everyone, regardless of their background or status. God has given us both monetary and spiritual resources to be a blessing and make an impact in the lives of others. We pray that God would use us to share the gospel with others in a loving way. Let’s open our hearts, hands, and lips to serve others as God gives us the ability to do so. May we spread the gospel without shame, for it is God’s power that saves everyone who believes.
Reflections
● What is the best way for me to spread the word about God’s forgiveness?
● How can I share the good news of Jesus Christ’s atoning work while simultaneously providing for the material necessities of others?
● Am I aware that I must exhaust every resource that God has given me?
©️The Scope news
