Morning Devotional

July 31, 2004

"Philemon (Part 4)"

by Don Emmitte

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I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing of your trust in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people. You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ. I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God's people. (Philemon 4-7 NLT).

When I read this verse I immediately thought of a particular lady in our church. She is the founder and leader of the Loss Support Group. She is someone who continually “refreshes the hearts of God’s people.” I could have picked many others to write about, but she was the first to come to mind. I don't always get to see her on Sundays, because of the crowds. If I have had an exceptionally stressful week, I make sure our paths cross for a "pick me up". She always has a kind word and a reassuring attitude to share with you. I have even taken others to see her, just because she leaves people around her with such a warm, refreshed feeling.

Philemon was that kind of guy. Paul praises him for his work among the church. He must have been an encourager. Whenever Paul thought of Philemon, it gave him a warm feeling. Perhaps thinking of Philemon, and those like him who serve in love, helped keep Paul from losing his mind while locked up in a cold prison cell. Paul needed the encouragement of knowing there were still people who cared whether he lived or died.

We all need that type of encouragement. Regardless of how mature in our faith we become, we need someone around to help keep our spirits strong. We need someone who we can trust, someone who can bring a smile to our face, someone who has our best interests at heart. Yes, even though the Lord is our "friend who sticks closer than a brother", I firmly believe God surrounds us with Christian friends to help make this fallen world a bit more tolerable.

Do you have a friend like that? Better still, are you a friend like that? Can others count on you for a kind word, a smile, or an encouraging compliment? Are you careful not to say something, unless it will edify; build up the body of Christ? Will you, like Philemon, be an encourager among the church? May that be our prayer and goal today!