(Read Scripture Passages Above)

Reflect on the Word

The beauty of the countercultural faith we ascribe to is revealed in how radically focused it is on the good of others in the midst of a culture obsessed with the good of self. Everywhere you look in the life of Jesus and His first church, you see something we easily forget: Faith is built to have communal power. We were never meant to possess the land, to take ground for God’s kingdom, on our own. We were meant to do it together.

What does this look like? Romans 15:1-7 says it means always contending for others, bearing with their weaknesses and working to strengthen them however we can. For the friends of the paralytic man in Mark 2:1-5, faith in the healing power of Jesus meant creating a door for someone even when there seemed to be no room. It means being willing to make decisions that are not for our own benefit, but for the good of others and for the good of God’s kingdom. As we follow Jesus in a culture of self, we contend by faith for the transformation of others.

As we do, our faith will open doors of breakthrough and transfor-mation for those who need it the most. This is not just transformation for transformation’s sake. It is the way we take ground in the battle against the enemy. It is only by being willing to empower others for God’s work that, together, we can possess the land that God has given us to take.

Prayer + Contemplation

1. Reflect on how God has used the faith of others to empower you. Thank God for the ways He has used these individuals.

2. Revisit the words of Romans 15:1-2 and invite the Holy Spirit to do a heart assessment. How might He be inviting you to bear with the weak and love your neighbor?

3. Who are you empowering with your faith? Who has God placed in your life that you can bring to Jesus, like the friends of the paralytic man? Pray that God would give you wisdom, discernment and boldness as you seek to empower others in this season.