If I were to unpack Romans 15, we would be diving into unity again. We would also hit on our gifts, our works, and our lives are designed as followers of Christ to build others up, to pour into others...not focus on ourselves. In all these things, we would hammer home, glorifying God in all we do. 

But something different hit me reading today, it was in the closing of the chapter and could honestly be taken as a throwaway line. But, I do not think it’s throw away. I think it’s a very critical part of our lives that we might not take seriously enough. 

“so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul is asking for prayers, urging them to join him in his struggles for safety, to be favorably received...so that! Get his, Pauls, so that is to be refreshed by their company. 

“Then he will send me to you with great joy in the pleasure of God’s will, and I will be spiritually refreshed by your fellowship.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:32‬ ‭TPT‬‬

“so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and find rest in your company.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:32‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So, who in your life do you have that offers spiritual refreshment? The person or persons that you can go to without any guards, no filter, and sit with and find deep rest. These are the dear friends that don’t require any internal or external walls, no emotional boundaries, and no need for protection. Complete trust and spiritual rest and fellowship. 

Life is dangerous, maybe not always physically, but for sure emotionally!  We carry a lot, and we desperately need those around us we can go to for refreshment. Unfortunately, my experience as a pastor for multiple decades tells me this is rare and not the norm. My prayer today for you, and I is to have these types of people in our lives where we can put down any mask we may be wearing, and have the people around us who can offer spiritual refreshment.