Romans 1:11-12 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.

I long thought that verse 11 was what Paul really thought, and verse 12 was his backtracking to try to avoid seeming like he was looking down on the believers in Rome. However, reading it just now in the context of my own experience, I get a somewhat different take. Whereas he probably was trying to be careful not to come across as “holier than thou,” verse 12 is just as sincere as verse 11. For anyone who’s been in ministry quite a while, encountering people who have genuine, active faith is indeed a real encouragement. There is without question the desire to impart spiritual gifts, but finding people who are ready to receive them is a joy, blessing, and encouragement. Any true servant of the Lord rejoices to find people who are strong in faith, and such encounters are truly mutually edifying. On top of that, it is a great joy to be aware of being used by God to bless others, and especially His children. Ministry is never a completely one-way street. Paul was indeed desiring the mutual blessing that He knew from experience would happen when ministry was given and received.

I have actually experienced this many times. Even hospital visitation can leave me energized, if I find faith in the one I’m visiting. When there is no answering faith it can leave me drained, but when the Lord’s ministry through me is received with joy, I am greatly blessed. I very much desire to impart God’s gifts to all I encounter, because that impartation is a blessing to me as well. Just yesterday two people for whom I have been praying in various ways came by the church at different times. Having them come by of their own initiative was an encouragement to begin with, and then seeing that God is indeed faithful to grow their faith, was a real joy. I am never to hold back from letting God bless others through me, because I’m always blessed in the process!

Father, yesterday was a packed day in several respects, and today looks to be even more so. Thank You that I have my first classes with two groups of students this morning. I pray that my interaction with them throughout this semester would be the blessing You intend it to be, not only imparting academic proficiency but opening their hearts up to You and Your Gospel. Thank You that because it’s a private school, I am free to pray for the students openly. I ask that Your Spirit would pray through me, so that Your will may be done on every level, in them and in me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!