Today's Passage - Romans 1:8-12

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Romans 1:8-12   "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." Paul was a person that knew how to care for the church. Although he had never been to Rome prior to writing the Book of Romans, he had the urgency in his heart. His caring for the church really set a good example for us. First, he was praying for the saints and thanking God for them all the times. In the Book of Romans, Paul mentioned for many times "you are my joy". He was a person that could share his worry and joy with others, mainly because he was a intercessor. He even said in verse 9 that God could be his witness how constantly he remembered brothers and sisters in his prayers at all times. Only intercession before God can truly connect our lives with those of the brothers and sisters. When some brother or sister thanks God for answering the prayer, how would you feel if you never prayed for that person? On the other hand, if youhave prayed for that person, when you hear his testimony, you will say: "Hallelujah. Praise the Lord", since you have shared with him "the pains of childbirth". Secondly, he was ready to impart to others theSpiritual gift. Paul was ready to share God's grace with others, unlike Chinese people who always keep something good to themselves. This attitude of "keeping something good to oneself" often becomes the greatest obstacle in our life of faith. Due to our reservation, our relationship with brothers and sisters gets compromised, too. Paul, on the other hand, was ready to share God's grace with others. He was a person that truly understood what grace was, so he wouldn't keep all the grace to himself. As a result, the more he gave, the more he received from God.   Thirdly, by staying away from being an ignorant person,he and other believers were mutually encouraged from each other's faith.  Just like what was described in the Book of James, many believers have no pity on others, but try to control others. They end up falling into the trap of complacency. We should always be considerate for others, so that we won't be self-centered all the time. In fact, God wants us to provide comfort for others. When you are led by the Holy Spirit, don't hesitate. Just bravely go and provide support for others. Maybe you are the only comfort God sends to that brother or sister.                                                                          Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, help us become someone that intercedes, is ready to impart grace to others and gets mutually encouraged with others. We pray that the Spirit gives us not only a sensitive heart to get aware of the needs around us, but also a brave heart to bring care to others. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!