The Mutual Faith

Romans 1:11-12 - “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 

[12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”

The faith of Jesus Christ is never solitary. It longs for companionship. Its essence and mission are to bring blessings to others and impact their lives. Faith shuns isolation and is meant to be experienced in the community. It aims to serve, uplift, and bring delight to God. He desires our faith to be shared mutually so that all God’s people can collectively benefit from His power.

The trust and belief we have in Jesus is not something we earned or deserved. It's a gift given to us through His grace. He intended this profound gift to be a constant presence in our lives, so He bestowed the Holy Spirit upon us as a perpetual source of comfort and guidance. This Spirit is our constant companion, always offering support and solace.

Paul used the phrase "comforted together" to convey the idea of being "called to a work or a purpose." The term para-kaleo denotes "called alongside to help." Adding the prefix "sum" transforms to "being called together to help each other." Therefore, when Paul says, "That I may be comforted together," it means "that I may call you alongside so that we can help or comfort each other with our mutual faith."

Paul and the church in Rome both held a shared belief, or "mutual faith," which was a significant source of blessing. Paul's affection for the people is evident through his words. He aimed to contribute to their well-being and receive their support in return, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their relationship based on their shared faith.

It's important to remember that mutual faith is essential in all aspects of life. No one would dedicate themselves to a task or invest their resources in something they don't believe in. This concept of faith varies in intensity and depth. This ties into the idea of mutual partnerships, where the strength of our faith in each other becomes apparent. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses is crucial in such partnerships, allowing us to complement one another effectively.

Uncertainty and feelings of distrust can have a significant impact on us. It would be highly detrimental if a few individuals were to express their lack of faith. This can lead to conflict and separation. Strength is found in shared faith and trust.

Faith is not merely an abstract mutual concept, a product of imagination, or a mystical contemplation of God; it is rooted in the character of God and His actions and promises. The result of mutual faith is edification. 

Ephesians 4:13 - “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Our Prayer for today:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for generously sharing your unwavering faith with us, which provides us with the enduring power and resilience needed to conquer life's obstacles and challenges, personally and in our service to others. Grant us the ability to spread Your faith, enabling others to embrace and draw strength from your incredible power. In the name of Jesus, Amen!