This God!

This God!

Romans 15:5 AMPC

[5] Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

There are two references to be made from the verse above. The first one is the audience to which the entire letter was addressed. These are people who are 'called of Jesus Christ and invited to belong to Him.' The letter goes on to refer to these people as "God's beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life'. What a special way to introduce people who are bound for exploits; who are connected to a supply of grace; loved of God; chosen by mercy; set apart by God's choice and not by qualifications, influence or connections. There are many benefits and blessings that accrue to me by virtue of my decision to follow and submit to Christ. There are both phyiscal and spiritual benefits to be enjoyed, and I note that nobody can take on this benefit on account of anything other than the mercy of Christ. He is the One who makes the choice, and has the power to back it up to the end. 

May I not be filled with pride, or a sense of superiority, over something that I had no power or influence over. This understanding helps me to relate with other people with a clear sense of humility and simplicity. The start of the chapter from where the verse above is taken takes note of people who are  strong in their convictions and of robust faith, as well as those who arw weak in their own convictions and need help. Those who are strong are encouraged to bear with the failings and the frailties of the weak. This tells me that there will always be both the 'strong' and the 'weak' in any assembly of believers. Some have grown in their understanding of God's Word, whilst others are still learning to understand the basic principles of Jesus and His instructions. Christ died for all, no matter the level we are on. His help is available for ny and all who come to Him by faith.

Of course, when the strong is able to help the weak, without seeking any personal gain or profit from it, the church becomes a place of harmony. The weak finds a place of support and encouragement, and the strong find a place where knowledge and experience can be used as tools of encouragement and support. It is noted that God is the One who gives the power of patient endurance, and also supplies encouragement. He knows our frame, and the right kind of help we need at different times in our lives. His supply helps me live in harmony with other people. I am not in competition with anyone; I am able to sympathise with the weakness of other people, using my personal encounters with Christ as testimonies to encourage others who may be going through challenges. With God, no experience is wasted. May my life be an encouragement to others. God's time of favour is here.