Romans 15:4-6
Indeed, whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we would have hope. And may God, the source of patient endurance and encouragement, grant that you agree with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that with one mind, in one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Things can feel out of control and hopeless in this world. While good may come our way, trials, challenges, and problems invariably follow. As Paul wrote, “Your word was given to us for patient endurance and encouragement, which provides us with hope.” Many of the challenges we face arise from our sinfulness—the thoughts, words, and actions we choose—and guilt and shame linger in our minds after we have sinned.
But in Your Word, we hear the forgiveness that was won for us by Your Son. Jesus suffered for our sins, enduring beatings and abuse, and was then hung on the cross. He faced ultimate suffering when He bore all our sins, and You forsook Him because He was filled with our sins. It was on the cross that our debt of sin was paid in full, as Jesus said, “It is finished.” With our debt of sin paid in full, we can be confident that we will rise because Jesus rose from the dead.
Thank You for Your plan of salvation, which restores us to You and removes our sins forever. Strengthen our faith through Your Word so that we may continue with patient endurance until the end of our lives. Let all believers live in unity, encouraging one another with Your Word. Let us share the promise of salvation with those who do not know You, so they will be encouraged and endure to the end. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s word is given to us so that we can understand His plan of salvation and how we are restored to Him through the forgiveness of our sins, which Jesus secured for us through His suffering and death on the cross.