It’s that Sunday morning message that leaves you walking away from church, thinking, “That was good, I got so much out of it.” But then Wednesday comes around, and when someone asks you what the Sunday message was about, you find yourself saying, “Ummmm!” We need to be constantly reminded of the truth found in God’s word. Whether it’s spiritual warfare attempting to snatch away those truths or our own memories, which are prone to this decaying body, we require continual reminders.
In this section of scripture, Paul encourages his readers by expressing his confidence in the gospel’s good work in the church Rome. Why? Because of the work of the Spirit, which grants knowledge and enables believers to instruct one another (John 16:13). We need encouragement, especially when we get caught up in the cultures of the world, which can creep into our lives (Galatians 6:1). Paul does not hold back in this letter; he speaks the truth plainly because he desires for the church—and the readers of this letter—to grow into the fullness of Christ and to realize all that they have in Him (Ephesians 4:13, 2 Peter 1:3).
Why does he desire this? Because he knows that investing in the church will bless both him and others while propagating the gospel. This is the attitude we, as Christians, should adopt: one of investing in one another. Earlier this week, I spoke to my son about the difference between family and friends. I explained that friends may only invest in you when they can gain something in return, while family will invest in you regardless of the circumstances because they will always be family.
Even more so, as the body of Christ—our brotherhood and sisterhood in Him—we are called to invest in one another. By doing so, we fulfill our calling to build each other up into the fullness of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11). As Christians, we are to share our spiritual gifts with one another and provide material support when there is a need. This investment is all about building the body of Christ and maturing in both word and deed (Colossians 3:17). We, as Christians, are called to invest in the church ” one another”.
The returns on this investment are a witness of love to all those who look upon the church. They will know we are disciples by the love we have for one another (John 13:35). This is what we are called to embody; this is biblical culture. It is a familial investment based on growth in Christ—one that is selfless and sacrificial, and at times long-suffering and enduring for the sake of love. This investment is rooted in the hope of Christ, so that we in the church may resemble Him and be a powerful witness of love to those who observe us.
Father, help us to build one another up rather than tear each other down. Grant us your love to endure and be a witness to those around us.