Kindred Spirits

11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 1:11-12

*There's so much in this first chapter of Romans that I think I'll spend next week on it, too :)  

I love what Paul says here to the believers in Rome, why he's so looking forward to seeing them: "that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." He had written earlier on that he gave thanks for them because of their great faith, which was being reported all over the world. (v.8) Something exciting was happening in Rome, and Paul wanted to get in on it! I think he was anticipating that incredible experience of being with "kindred spirits" in the truest sense of the phrase. Paul knew the joy of doing life with real brothers and sisters in Christ, and he didn't want to miss out. He was looking forward both to encouraging them and being encouraged by them.

I know just how he feels. There's nothing more delightful than worshiping with people who "get it" - who love God and seek His will and revel in His presence and power and live in His peace. I've had the privilege and pleasure of being a part of several faith communities over the years with whom I've experienced this awesome phenomenon, and I'm so grateful - life is so much sweeter when shared with family. Not bound by blood ties, necessarily, but by the bonds of Spirit kinship. 

Good Father, thank you so much for those people in my life, past and present, who have encouraged my faith and brought so much joy by sharing their passion for You. Please use me to be such a blessing wherever I go. Amen.