Who Understands Faith?
Paul Sails for Rome
Romans 1:8-12
The Message
8-12 I
thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People
everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I
hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by
spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I
think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him
to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting
goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s
gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But
don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You
have as much to give me as I do to you.
For Reflection
Our
faith, outside of the context of fellowship of the faithful, is
anemic. Paul recognized the strength he got from listening to faith
stories and participating in the faith journeys of others. Interacting
with others in the faith can be exasperating at times. Just ask Paul.
The formal church can be frustrating as well. Just ask Luther. But,
faith inside the fellowship of believers can be supportive, instructive
and full of opportunities to grow in Grace.
Pray
for
the fellowship of believers. Pray that you will be challenged, by your
participation, in ways that will lead you to grow toward the person God
intends you to be.
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