Philemon vs. 1-7 1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—2also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home. 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
It can be amusing when someone unknown to us is introduced and says, “Oh yes, I’ve heard a lot about you.” Sometimes we sheepishly grin and reply, “I hope it’s all good!” That moment reinforces the concept that true character is something you are when no one is watching. Our reputations are built during times we are aware, but also during times we are unaware. As Christians, we remember that others are watching our reactions and responses to life’s daily challenges. Not only this, but others also watch to see how we interact with one another.
In today’s passage, Philemon is acknowledged as a person who “[has] refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Can you think of a greater reputation to have than to be a person who refreshes the hearts of your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,
Thank you for opportunities to love, encourage, and serve others. May we always be known as someone “who refreshes the hearts” of others.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.
The devotion A Good Reputation was originally written for Friday, May 21, 2010; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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