God Gives Good Gifts
There are seasons in our lives that are far more discouraging than encouraging. It's inevitable that all of us will experience those moments, and it's often in the face of insurmountable grief or heartbreaking experiences.
But Romans 15:5 reminds us that there are three things God gives to those who believe in Jesus. The first is that God gives endurance. When we begin to grow tired of doing good things, or living our lives for God, it's often because we are living with the wrong motivation.
True motivation comes from living for God, not ourselves. It is God who gives us the endurance—through His Spirit—to make good choices and live for Him.
The second thing God gives us is encouragement. In seasons of discouragement, when we feel let down by other people, God gives us lasting encouragement. He reminds us that we are loved. That we are being transformed. That He can use all things for our good and His glory. We don’t need to strive for approval or acceptance because we’re already sons and daughters of God.
The third thing we can ask God to give us is unity of mind toward each other. This means that we consider how Jesus thinks of and looks at others, and try to do the same. Instead of seeing their flaws or mistakes, we see them as people loved and cared for by God. We should work towards unity with each other rather than division.
All three of these things are worth bringing before God in prayer: endurance, encouragement, and unity with each other.
If you’re feeling tired and want to quit, ask God for the endurance to continue doing good for those around you. If you’re feeling discouraged and down, ask God for encouragement that only He can give. And above all, ask God for the same heart and mind of Jesus that brings us together in unity, rather than division.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve found that embracing the gifts God offers—endurance, encouragement, and unity—has been transformative during life’s toughest moments. There was a season when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, questioning if I could carry on living for God amid constant setbacks. It was then that meditating on Romans 15:5 deeply encouraged me. I realized my motivation needed to shift from pleasing others or seeking approval to genuinely living in alignment with God’s Spirit. This divine endurance is not something I muster on my own; it flows when I surrender my will and lean fully on God’s strength. In moments of discouragement, I’ve experienced God’s encouragement as a quiet but powerful reminder of His unwavering love and purpose for me. Instead of feeling isolated or unworthy, prayer helped me reconnect with the truth that I am His beloved child, being renewed daily. That kind of encouragement fortifies the soul, making challenges bearable and even opportunities for growth. Unity with others has also been an enlightening lesson. Seeing people through Jesus’ eyes—valuing their worth over their flaws—has helped me overcome divisions and build meaningful relationships. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or purposeful forgiveness, striving for unity brings a peace that reflects Christ’s heart. By prayerfully asking God for endurance to persevere, encouragement to remain hopeful, and a unified mindset to foster compassion, we align ourselves with His will. This approach not only enhances our spiritual walk but also allows us to be a beacon of hope and love to those around us. Applying these principles daily has made my faith more resilient and my life richer in purpose and connection.