Read: Romans 15-16
In today’s reading, we conclude the book of Romans. Congratulations on making it through a full book of the Bible!
In chapter 15, we read that the trials and seasons of endurance recorded in Scripture were meant to teach us, encourage us, and give us hope.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” -Romans 15:4
We are reminded that God’s Word is intentional instruction. The struggles, victories, and faith journeys we read about are there to strengthen our own.
Paul writes:
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” -Romans 15:7
This does not mean approving of or supporting a brother or sister in Christ as they continue in sin. Rather, it means lovingly walking alongside them, speaking truth with grace, and guiding them toward the way of the Lord. Jesus ate with sinners. He did not affirm sin, but He extended love. While we are not perfect as He was, we can allow the Holy Spirit to work through us to extend grace, compassion, and truth to those around us. Make Heaven crowded!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
Hope is one of the most powerful things that we can hold onto as Christians. It can carry you through a multitude of circumstances and situations; I know this from experience. When you are struggling to find joy, He provides it. When anxiety fills your heart, He offers peace. When you do not understand, He asks you to trust. Rest in Him. Especially you, mama! Breathe in Christ, breathe out the weight of this world.
Paul tells us in chapter 15 that he believes believers are filled with goodness and equipped with knowledge to instruct one another. That gives me confidence in knowing that the Holy Spirit is able to guide me as I write this, and that He is able to guide you as you read it. It is not by my own wisdom, but through God, that any truth is shared. That is also why I try to incorporate Scripture, so you can see clearly that these teachings come from the Lord, not from me.
Chapter 16 emphasizes unity among believers. We share the same Father, the same ultimate goal, the same Holy Spirit living within us and guiding us, and the same Messiah who saved us and hears our prayers. Even though we are different in gifts, backgrounds, personalities, circumstances, etcetera, we are united in Christ.
As we close the book of Romans, we are reminded of hope, endurance, acceptance, encouragement, unity, and the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us.
Discussion Questions
- In Romans 15:4, Paul says Scripture was written to teach us and give us hope. How have you personally experienced encouragement or hope through God’s Word?
- As you finish the book of Romans, what truth or theme stands out most to you -grace, faith, obedience, hope, unity, or something else -and how will you apply it moving forward?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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