Scripture
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I 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. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Reflection
Today’s verses cover Paul’s thankfulness to God for Philemon’s love and faithfulness.
In the past few weeks I’ve been struggling in finding a balance in being connected to the things that are going on in Shanghai and in China, but also being here (in my case in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) where I am now. In v.5 it says: “because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus”.
Our love for all his people and our faith in Jesus Christ shouldn’t change because we are in a different place or living in different circumstances, so I’ve been embracing opportunities to connect and to encourage other believers while I’m here. If meeting physically in Shanghai has been harder, you can still connect and encourage other believers in different ways (thank God for technology!).
In verse 6, the word “partnership” in Greek means “koinonia”, sharing, or mutual participation. When two or more people receive something together and share it, they become partners.
In the “How to read Philemon” video, Tim Mackie says faithfulness to Jesus means recognizing that all of Jesus’ followers are equal partners who share in the gift of God’s love and grace. For Paul, this experience of “koinonia” is not just an idea; it’s something that we do in our relationships.
Let us continue to refresh the hearts of the Lord’s people, by sharing every good thing we receive through Jesus Christ! Share something He has recently showed you or done in your life with 2 or 3 people today.
Prayer
Perfect Love. Pray that the perfect love of Christ will cast out fear and anxiety that creeps into our hearts from fake news and misinformation.
