Mutually Encouraged

 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.

— Romans 1:11-12

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Paul's longing to come to Rome to preach and disciple wasn't a one-sided transaction. He fully intended to receive something from the church in Rome. Even though an apostle, with all his experience, insight, and revelation, he anticipated being encouraged by their faith as much as he would encourage them.

Lord, that is the mark of humility. May I never become so certain of what I can bring to others that I become prideful and unteachable and unable to receive from others. May I be encouraged by the faith of those I pastor. May I learn from those I am teaching. May we mutually encourage each other's faith.

Gracious Lord, today I choose to stay humble, even when I could take pride in the position of experienced teacher. I choose to stay humble when someone shares how they are growing in faith. I choose to stay humble when someone encourages my growth in faith. I choose to stay humble so that whatever I impart to others I am able to receive it back. Would You continue to work in Living Water Yelm to be a church body where people are mutually encouraged by each other's faith? May our encouragement toward each other result in unity, growth, and discipleship.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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