Daily EncouragementSample

Mutual encouragement is an ingredient of Christian fellowship. “I long to see you,” says the apostle. He knows that when they meet and share each other’s company, there will be a sharing of life and experience, of “the common salvation” (Jude 3, AV) and, in the deepest sense, of the Lord Jesus himself, into whose fellowship God has called them (1 Cor. 1:9).

Mutual encouragement involves the ministry of the word - “that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.“ No doubt Paul’s intended method was to give them the kind of teaching that follows in this Epistle. In the end there is no greater spiritual gift than the gospel of God’s grace. It is the kind of preaching, expressed in Romans, which “speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort” (1 Cor. 14:3). Preacher and hearer are encouraged together, because in the final analysis the preacher is a listener too.

Mutual encouragement finds its source in mutual faith - “that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Nothing is more vital, and faith’s object is the key. “Imitate their faith,” says the writer to the Hebrews, speaking about Christian leaders, and points to that object - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:7-8).