“that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Paul visit is not just for others he hopes to get something from his visit himself. What he hopes to receive he desires they also will receive. Paul’s desire is that they might be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. This is a great picture of the ultimate outcome of community.
So often we approach relationships for what they have to give us alone. We avoid difficult situations or conflicts in relationships because of what we fear we will lose. The great mystery of community is that it is the difficulties and conflicts along with the joys and laughter that strengthen our relationships. When we witness each other’s perseverance through difficult times and we love each other in the midst of a conflict we grow closer.
The very things we wish to avoid because of momentary discomfort are the things we need to experience in order put the pieces in place for a strong community. Paul and the Roman believers are positioned to be encouraged by the each other’s faith in the midst of trials. At the time of this letter to the church, people were not exactly excepting of the Christ faith. When faith is displayed in the midst of difficult times those who experience it are encouraged and the community is made stronger.
We need not avoid the struggles that relationships undoubtedly promise. We should follow the lead of Paul who longed for relationships for the mutual encouragement they offered. Our human experience
Tye Parks 