A Ministry of Presence: Sharing Faith, Gifts, and Lives in Christ
Romans 1:10-12 NLT
10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. 12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Messages
Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:16 NLT,
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Here, Paul always prays for the opportunity to come at last to see the believers in Rome (10). Paul often mentioned in his letters that he wanted to see them. See 1 Thessalonians 3:10-11 NLT.
10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.
Paul considers the believers the proud reward, crown, pride, and joy of his ministry team (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT, Philippians 4:1 NLT). Paul’s ministry team loved them so much (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT) and taught them to do the same for one another and for all people (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NLT, 4:10 NLT).
What was his purpose in seeing or visiting them?
It was:
- to fill the gaps in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10c NLT).
- to bring them some spiritual gift that will help them grow strong in the Lord (11).
- to encourage them in their faith, and to be encouraged by them (12).
Paul’s ministry team shared with them not only the Good News but also his team members’ own lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Paul’s ministry team shared their whole selves — their personal time, energy, emotions, relationships, and even willingness to suffer or risk physical hardship for the sake of the believers. The life they shared was broader than just physical life or co-living.
Epilogue: A Life Poured Out in Love
Paul’s desire to visit the believers was not just about preaching another sermon or completing a missionary itinerary. His heart burned with genuine love — a love that longed to give and also to receive, to strengthen and be strengthened. As he wrote, he and his ministry team did not only share the Good News, but also shared their very lives. They opened their hearts, gave their time, risked suffering, and embraced deep, spiritual relationships with those they ministered to.
This kind of ministry is a model for us today. It calls us to move beyond mere words or duty and into a life of sacrificial love. Ministry is not just about teaching others, but walking alongside them — being present, vulnerable, and invested in their spiritual growth. Like Paul, may we seek opportunities, God willing, to truly be with others — to build up one another in faith, and to find strength through the encouragement that flows both ways.
In a world that often values efficiency over intimacy, may we be reminded that spiritual fruit grows best in the soil of shared lives.
