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Daily devotional · December 7

The God of Hope Fills You

“For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.” Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples.” And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:4-13 (BSB)Read the whole chapter →

Paul says the Scriptures were written so that through patience and encouragement we might have hope. Hope, then, is not a mood; it is a gift that grows as we read, endure and encourage one another. He prays for the Roman believers, a divided mix of Jews and non-Jews, to live in harmony and welcome one another as Christ welcomed them. The welcome of Christ is the pattern for every church table. Then comes a beautiful blessing: may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you overflow with hope by the Spirit's power. Overflow is the key word. Hope is meant to spill over onto others. Today, choose one person who seems discouraged or excluded and welcome them concretely: send a message, invite them to a meal, or sit beside them. Let the hope you have received travel through you to someone else.

Prayer

God of hope, fill me with joy and peace, and let it overflow to those around me. Amen.

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