Bible Verse of the Day Friday September 1st, 2021

Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

The love Philemon displayed was extraordinary. Paul was invigorated as he sat in his Roman guarded home confinement, thinking of his love. Philemon was known far and wide for his hospitality and care for traveling evangelists. Wouldn't this description of Philemon be impressive to have said about us? I know we would all love to have this reputation among God's family! To be loved and supported, encouraged by an encourager, is to have your heart refreshed and your attitude lifted. Let's commit to being an "encourager" who refreshes the hearts of those around us this week and beyond, especially those in the family of God.

The communal culture of believers is compellingly vibrant in Christianity. It is a clear sign of God's Spirit at work among Christians. One of God's intents for all believers is that we refresh those around us. We do not need to have a flamboyant personality to accomplish this. We do not need to read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" to do this. All we need is a little resolution from the Word of God, which will empower us to expand this nourishment to those around us, especially the lost in our circle of influence. God wants all his children to minister to His people. An old hymn that says: "Make me a blessing to someone today." Warm someone's heart today; we do not necessarily have to possess an extravagant character to accomplish this.

Paul thanked God for Philemon's love and faith toward Jesus and then toward all of God's people, not just a few exceptional Christians. This faith and love is the underpinning for all effectual evangelism, the life touched and changed by God. God had accomplished every good thing in Philemon's life. When Christians display these worthy matters, others accept Jesus as their savior. Some sharing of one's faith is ineffective because we don't know or can't communicate every good thing God has done for us.

Paul commended Philemon for the fruit of the Spirit that the Holy Spirit had manifested in his life. Paul could praise Philemon for this because Philemon had not quenched or grieved the Spirit but had followed the Spirit's leading in his life. Paul also prayed that Philemon's demonstration of love and faith would continue to abound.