¹² that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:12 CSB)

I have written much here and there is much in scripture about being mutually encouraging. In fact, scripture speaks often about the need for the faithful to come together and about how to find ways to lift each other up.

I especially like how this line ends with ”both yours and mine.” We have much we can do to help one another and to encourage one another. Our lives are best lived in community where we can come along side one another.

When we acknowledge both your and my faith life we can better recognize each other’s spiritual needs. We can better find ways to bring together our various spiritual gifts and talents to work toward Kingdom goals. Suddenly we are no longer alone in either the world or in the task God has set before us.

I believe this is why monastic communities have lasted throughout time. They have learned the lessons of both yours and mine. Furthermore, scripture would not be so explicit about the need for mutual edification.

We are simply better together.