Scripture to Read: Romans 1:8
As we begin our devotions this week, we read in Romans 1:8 an incredible word of encouragement given to the Christians in Rome. God had led Paul to write to the Christians in Rome about how much he thanked God through our Lord Jesus Christ for every one of them. Paul gave this incredible thanks to God for these believers in Rome because their faith was being proclaimed throughout the whole world. These believers in Rome were bold about their faith in Christ (Ephesians 6:19–20). The believers in Rome had such trust and confidence in God’s power, wisdom, and goodness that their lives were an incredible testimony to all who came across their path. God wants us to live our lives in the same manner. God wants our lives to glorify Him so that all other Christians are thankful for the opportunity of knowing us. As Christians, we should see the evidence of each other’s faith in Christ through how we love each other (John 13:34–35) and how we serve each other (James 2:14–26). God has commanded us to love Him and serve Him and we do that through loving and serving those around us. We should also be continually giving thanks to God for the Christians who we see living out their faith in Christ with His boldness and seeing how their witness is reaching the lost for the gospel. As we walk with our Lord, we must continually examine our hearts, making sure we hold to our faith and proclaim Him to those around us.
Challenge & Application
· Who can you give thanks to God for who you see living out their faith in Christ well?
· How are you doing in holding fast to your faith in Jesus and sharing Him with those around you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!