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IT'S A SHARED-LIFE
Romans 1:1-12

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Romans 1:11-12 NKJV

Christian life is a shared life. The blessings and encouragements are bilateral not unilateral. It's mutual and reciprocal. The purpose is to support and strengthen each other to mature in Christ.

In most Asian churches the Trinitarian blessings, "May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forever." (2 Cor 13:14) is only one way; from the preach to rhe parishioners (pastor to members of the church)

Whereas in some culture we are encouraged to bless each other. It's a mutual enrichment. Paul hoped to bestow some spiritual gifts to the believers in Rome yet he also hope to be encouraged and strengthened by the people as they shared their life and faith together.

Christian life is always a shared life as modeled by our Triune God. As much as the Father delights in the Son (Mat 3:17, 17:5), the Son always gives credits to the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 5:19, 16:13)

As you bless others, be known that you too, will be blessed in return! As we enrich others, we too will be enriched! So, seek to bless each other with whatever gifts God has bestowed upon you! 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds," (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)

~plt18May17

#pltwrites #romans1 #mydevotion #wesleyhouse #deepeningmyfaith #knowingGod #sharedlife #mutuality #reciprocal #mutualencouragement

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