Second Monday of Lent by Doug Mabe 3/01/21

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-15

“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

In this passage, Paul writes to the believers in Rome of his fervent desire to finally be among them, after many frustrated attempts, so that he 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.”

It is my belief that Christians are called to be in community with other Christians. As Dave Ramsey puts it, “Community is God's desire for us—and a sign of mature faith. When we grow in our relationships with others, we grow in relationship with Him. ... The Bible says the Holy Spirit is present whenever believers gather together.” It is difficult, if not impossible, to live a Christian life in solitude. How can we serve others unless we seek out others to serve? How can we love our neighbor if we choose to have no neighbor?

The past year has been very difficult for believers. Our need to be in community with other believers has been thwarted by a tiny virus. Yet, we have expended considerable effort and resources to find ways to gather together safely with one another so that we may be “mutually encouraged by one another’s faith….” We have held outdoor services, live-streamed our services over the internet, and modified the format of our worship to ensure the proper physical distance to minimize the threat of contagion. We have “made do” in order to “get by.” But when all is said and done, nothing can replace the intimacy of communal worship: the passing of the peace, the singing of hymns, Holy Communion, a warm handshake, or a comforting hug.

If, indeed, “Community is God’s desire for us,” we should seek ways to mutually strengthen one another by our faith. Send a card, make a phone call, pray for a neighbor, be grateful, send an email, offer to run an errand, ask for help, do anything that will cause you to grow in your relationship with others, because that is how we grow in our relationship with Him.

Prayer: Lord, we ask that you will help us to find ways to encourage one another, to be in community with others, and to share our spiritual gifts with others. Amen.

--Doug Mabe