Have you known people who are great encouragers? People who can calm your anxious thoughts and give you a renewed outlook on life? I’ve been blessed to have people like this in my life.
Philemon was like that.
All we know about Philemon we learn in this short letter from Paul, who considered him a fellow worker in sharing the gospel. He was a leader in the church at Colosse, which met in his home. As a leader in the church, I think Philemon probably had all the characteristics that Paul had for elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9). He was known for his love and faithfulness to Jesus and his fellow believers. And he was a great encourager.
For I [Paul] have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. - Philemon 1:7 ESV
To refresh is to restore strength or animation, to revive, or to renew. Life can be hard and wearying; we all need to have our hearts refreshed from time to time. The last few weeks have been such a time for me. If you’re regular readers of these devotions, you know that I’ve missed a few weeks. I’ve been struggling to stay focused and couldn’t decide what to write about. I needed fresh vision and a fresh perspective on things.
Then I read Paul’s letter to his friend Philemon, asking him to do something. (I'll let you read the letter to find out what that was.) What struck me was Paul’s confidence that he would do as Paul asked.
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. - Philemon 1:21 ESV
Paul was confident because of Philemon’s proven character and his history of refreshing the hearts of others. Pondering this made me think of people in my life like this, people that encourage me and always come through for me. I’ve so very grateful for these precious friends in the Lord. I know that I can get this refreshing through God’s word with the Holy Spirit’s help, but sometimes it really helps to sit with someone who can physically hug me (or give me a poke) when I need it.
Thinking of Philemon and the encouragers in my life makes me want to be an encourager as well. How can I encourage someone today? I just have to think about what encourages me to get ideas about this. Maybe send a card or make a phone call. Send a “thinking of you” text and ask someone how I can pray for them. Be available to mentor someone and talk about Scripture with her.
Think About: Who are your encouragers? Whom can you encourage today?
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