Romans 15:5 – “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus”
There are seasons in our lives when we are more discouraged than encouraged. All of us will inevitably experience these moments, often showing up during times of grief, uncertainty, or exhaustion.
Even in these moments, Romans 15:5 reminds us that there are three things that God offers to those who believe in Jesus.
The first thing God offers is endurance. When we begin to grow tired of doing good things or living our life for God, it is often because we are living with the wrong motivation. True motivation comes from living for God, not us. It is God who gives us the endurance through the Spirit to make good choices and live for Him.
The second thing God offers is encouragement. In seasons of discouragement when we feel let down by people, God gives us lasting encouragement. He reminds us that we are loved. He reminds us that we are being transformed. We don’t need to strive for approval or acceptance because we’re already sons and daughters of God.
The third thing God offers is unity of mind toward each other. This means that we consider others how Jesus would consider them. Instead of only seeing their flaws or mistakes, we see them as people loved and cared for by God.
All three of these things are worthy of spending time in prayer asking God for: endurance, encouragement, and unity with each other. If you’re feeling discouraged and down, ask God for the endurance and encouragement that only He can give and for the unity of mind that reflects Jesus and His love.
Christians should live in harmony with each other and glorify God. Unity is important in the Christian community and the need to put Christ first. The church is to be united and free from divisions. Disunity dishonours God and hurts the family of believers. Christians should please each other and serve one another, rather than themselves Amen
