Romans Chapter 16: Verses 17-18 (NIV)
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.
Chapter 16 is worth reading in its entirety. It’s a list of positive encouragement, friendship and support alongside the determination to follow Jesus. Paul exhorts the church to stay away from those who are negative and cause division. He also reminds us however that not all of those who seek to flatter us are being genuine. Both negativity and false flattery can throw us off course.
Best to follow Paul’s example and surround ourselves with those who cheer us on and support us. Perhaps more importantly we need to keep negative and divisive attitudes away from our own thoughts and hearts.
God’s words to us are never negative or divisive. Even when we need correction, His instruction is never negative. If we experience any such attitudes, it’s a sure way of knowing that such words are not from God. When we are going through difficult or trying times, nothing lifts us more than encouragement and support. I need to remember to give it out more than I receive it.
Dear Lord,
Paul gave thanks for everyone who gave him the support and encouragement he needed throughout his missionary journeys. Thank You for the encouragement and support of all of those You have sent along my road, but most of all for the encouragement and support from You through the presence of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to be an encouragement and support to others as well. I ask in Jesus’