How can we prioritize visiting and supporting fellow believers like Paul intended? 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 “I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you afterward, so you could send me on my way to Judea.” — 2 Corinthians 1:16 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥’𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 - Two visits, not one: Paul scheduled a “double-stop” because one meeting felt insufficient for mutual strengthening. - Intentional routing: He rearranged an entire missionary itinerary around fellowship. - Clear expectation: The Corinthians would “send” him—praying, supplying, and encouraging for the next leg. 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 - Romans 1:11-12 — “that you and I may be mutually encouraged.” - Acts 20:1-2 — Paul “traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 — “not neglecting to meet together.” - 3 John 6-8 — Believers “send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 1. Calendar it first, not last. Mark regular trips to see church family, missionaries, shut-ins, and distant friends in Christ. 2. Pair travel with mission. Plan to serve while visiting—teaching, helping, or simply listening. 3. Budget for generosity. Set aside funds so travel and support are possible without hesitation (1 Corinthians 16:2). 4. Share the load. Invite others to join the journey; fellowship begins on the road (Luke 10:1). 5. Keep visits edifying. Read Scripture together, sing, or recount answered prayers so gatherings stay Christ-centered (Colossians 3:16). 6. Follow up. After leaving, write, call, or text to maintain the encouragement Paul modeled in his letters. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 - Material help: Meals, lodging, travel fare, or tools that speed gospel work (Philippians 4:15-17). - Spiritual backing: Consistent intercession (2 Corinthians 1:11) and words that refresh weary servants (Proverbs 25:25). - Relational warmth: Hospitality that treats visitors “as angels” (Hebrews 13:2). 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 - View trips as a stewardship, not a luxury. - Celebrate testimonies afterward so the whole assembly shares the fruit (Acts 14:27). - Look forward to the ultimate gathering when every visit becomes permanent, “and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). |
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