I believe in you

My brothers and sisters, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points…

God’s purpose is that the Gentiles may be an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:14-16)

How often do we say, “I believe in you” to our younger brothers and sisters in Christ?

How often do we tell them, “I believe that you are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct others…to bless others.”

Of course, sometimes do have to remind them boldly on some points. Sometimes we need to remind them of the basic truths of their faith (Romans 1-11).

Sometimes we need to remind them how God has called them to live (Romans 12-13).

Sometimes they’re messing up and we need to correct them. (Romans 14-15)

But do we ever look down on them thinking, “They haven’t arrived yet” (as if we have), or do we keep believing in them?

Do we keep believing the Holy Spirit is working in their lives, day by day making them into acceptable offerings to God?

Do we join in with the Spirit’s work in their lives?

That’s discipleship.

That’s what Jesus did for his disciples.

That’s what Paul did for the Romans.

And that’s what we’re called to do for our younger brothers and sisters in Christ.

Holy Spirit, help me join in your work to raise people up for God’s kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.