May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NABRE
Paul is rounding out his letter to the Romans, who he expects to visit soon. In chapter fifteen Paul is finalizing the bulk of his instruction to the Roman Church. He is preaching that we are all one in Christ and that we should welcome all in Christ. Paul writes to the Jews, the Gentiles and also refers to all nations. There is no doubt that Paul felt the passion and resurrection of Jesus was an event for all. It began in the Jewish community as they would recognize the Messiah, yet it was an event meant for all humanity. The Jews after conversion are then to convert the Gentiles. Paul exhorting the Romans to welcome all ends with a prayer, which is the quoted verse. Paul’s prayer is for all those who believe to be filled with joy and peace from the God of hope. Hope is everything, it is the Kingdom of God, it is a life redeemed, it is full immersion in the love of Christ. Finishing the prayer, Paul wishes all will abound (overflow) in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the provider of gifts and grace. With this prayer Paul expects the conversion of Jew and Gentile alike and through their conversion they receive hope.
Paul knows those who come to Christ will have hope. We should want to help people discover Christ so they too may have hope. It seems we struggle today with what the future might bring, unsure of our own safety and security. It is easy to imagine people who are hopeless. But God the God of hope, wants us to overflow with hope. Our faith in Christ should assure us of a hopeful future and we should desire to share this hope with everyone.
Are you hopeful in Christ? Is there someone you know who needs hope? Can you teach Christ so they may have hope?
It seems we struggle today with what the future might bring, unsure of our own safety and security. It is easy to imagine people who are hopeless. But God the God of hope, wants us to overflow with hope. Our faith in Christ should assure… Click To Tweet
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