Romans 1:12
12 That [de] [touto] is [esti], that I may be
comforted together [sumparakaleo] with [en] you [humin] by [dia] [en] the mutual [allelon] faith [pistis] both [te] of you [humon] and [kai] me [emou]. KJV-Interlinear
12 that is, that I may be
encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith,
both yours and mine. NASB
Mutual faith, as stated requires a mature spiritual
level of growth, in order to have a more meaningful relationship. Two infants cannot engage in a meaningful spiritual
relationship. An adult and an infant
have a rather limited and one sided spiritual relationship. But mature adults are capable of engaging in
a meaningful spiritual relationship.
‘That is,’ is a reference to the spiritual gift
mentioned in the previous verse. And, it
is defined here as the comfort afforded to all through everyone's mutual
faith. Faith that has been developed as
only faith can be developed, through doctrine that is learned through
instruction, and inculcated into the soul of the hearer.
Immature believers generally focus on themselves,
seeking attention, stumbling along within their daily lives, blurting out
statements that are immature by their nature.
Mature adults, have the mastery of knowledge and
understanding, even experience, that guides them away from the silliness of
life, and makes their company thoroughly enjoyable.
And here Paul, very simply teaches us the obvious. People with similar levels of maturity and understanding,
will have better communication and relationships than those who are far apart
in their mental or spiritual growth.
And again, this world is full of contrasts in
mental and physical growth and abilities.
Nearly all of which make relationship interactions difficult or awkward. Especially those attitudes that focus on ‘me’
first, or people who make an issue of ‘self.’
But, in the spiritual realm, where everyone has
advanced in their spiritual life, then any and all worldly obstacles are easily
overcome.
Whether rich or poor, talented or not, the
spiritual realm develops tolerance and understanding the recognition of ones
role as God has defined it, not as the world has defined it. And therefore bias, and arrogance, and
boasting, and inordinate ambition or competition, and such things are cancelled,
and social interactions are far more pleasant.
Just one more reason for you to grow up in your
spiritual life, so that others can be better able to tolerate you!
