Encouragement, the fortifying support which helps us endure

“Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.” It takes endurance and encouragement to ultimately live in harmony with each other. Being able to suffer certain things to happen without retaliation. People can be easily angered, and easily offended. The only way to be able to get to them is by loving them through it. Not becoming a doormat along the way, but being more understanding of what they may be going through. People are not born angry, bitter, hurt, jealous, or any of the bad qualities none of us like. We go through stuff that causes us to become that. Without knowledge of God’s word, or certain people helping, we will most likely stay in that funk. Having the mind of Christ on every subject or issue in life can be your lifeline to deliverance from that snare of bondage. Paul is talking to the Romans in this passage about having the same attitude of mind that Christ Jesus had. Jesus loved without restraint towards the people in His day. Even the ones about to crucify Him on the cross. We must be long-suffering and steadfast in our relationship with God. Quality time with the King brings peace of mind, and clarity of thought. We have clear thinking minds as we continue in our fellowship with the Lord. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Encouragement, the fortifying support which helps us endure.