Encouragement and Endurance: An Attitude Like Christ

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

- Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)

After Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into each of his disciples at Pentecost, he expected his followers to not only spread the good news of the gospel to those in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, but he also expected them to model the same lifestyle as he did while he was on earth. Part of that modeling included maintaining the same attitude that Jesus had, an attitude of endurance and encouragement.

During Jesus' ministry, he commanded his disciples to love each other with the same love that he showed for them. Part of loving each other with the same love of Christ includes lots of encouragement. It is hard to go through the day without either needing some encouragement or seeing the need in those who are around us to be encouraged. Jesus is calling us to love each other by continuing to encourage each other in our faith.

Jesus also suffered much during his life on earth, especially during his passion journey from the upper room to the cross. This took much endurance in order to complete the task that God the Father laid out for him. Jesus endured the ridicule and scorn of his religious leaders, countrymen, and family, the betrayal of one of his twelve disciples, beatings and whippings, a crown of thorns pressed into his head, and ultimately, death on a cross. Because of Jesus' encouragement of others and his endurance through sufferings, he glorified his Father in heaven. Jesus was glorified and his Father was glorified in him and through him.

Today, we are called to maintain the same attitude that Jesus Christ displayed, an attitude of encouragement and endurance. We are called to encourage one another and to go through life's sufferings with endurance knowing that if we do so, we will also with one mind and one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be blessed!

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