What refreshes you? The cooler air yesterday morning made my long run easier. It was like running in an air-conditioner. The miles passed more quickly because of the cool breeze. I have known people who refreshed others through their kindness. Who refreshes you?
Philemon refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. What was it about Philemon that Paul loved? He loved the church and he trusted in the Lord. They shared in a partnership rooted in deep understanding of all they shared in Christ. Philemon’s love gave Paul joy and encouragement. I pray you have friends like that. We live in the shelter of each other.
Knowing Philemon’s character, Paul wrote with a request. Philemon’s slave Onesimus had run away from his master and run into the Master through the ministry of Paul. He sent him home to Philemon asking that Philemon receive him as a brother and not as a slave. Paul is convinced that Philemon will do more than he has asked, thus refreshing Paul’s heart.
This beautiful story made me wonder whom we might refresh today. What if we did more than others expected of us today? We could start in our own homes and branch out into the community. Jesus who created the first fresh zephyrs in Eden to refresh Adam and Eve is working in us today to make us refreshing to others. Didn’t he do more than we could have asked or expected?
