Philemon 3-5

Philemon was characterized by faith

and love for all believers.

It seems he was one of those people

who was a giver more than a receiver.

Paul let him know he was thankful

For the good reports he’d heard,

and I’m sure Philemon was strengthened

by Paul’s encouraging word.

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus

and your love for all the saints.”

Philemon 3-5 (NIV)

pistis⁴¹⁰² – persuasion, i.e. credence; mor. conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), espec. reliance upon Christ for salvation: abstr. constancy in such profession; by extens. the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

            After greeting Philemon and others with him, Paul let him know that he prayed for him and thanked God that he had a reputation for faith in the Lord and love for the saints. What an encouragement that must have been to Philemon!

            Are you and I people that cause others to thank God as they pray for us? Are we known for our faith and love? I hope so. It’s something to meditate on, to think of how other people might remember us as they pray. We may realize some things in our lives might need to change. We may need to rely more on the Lord and be more demonstrative in our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

            Another thought came to mind as I read this. How often do I encourage other believers by letting them know how God has used them in my life or how I’ve observed him using them to bless others? Do I commend my friends when they demonstrate faith in Christ? Do I pray for God to strengthen them and me in these areas?

            There are many people in my life that I should send a card or letter in order to encourage them as they have encouraged me. Perhaps I should take some time this weekend to follow through on that idea. Do you need to do the same? Ask the Lord to bring those people to mind that you need to pray for, thank the Lord for, and encourage by sending a card or email or maybe calling them on the phone.

            Father, seeing others rely upon you strengthens my own faith. Thank you for the positive examples of faith and love you have given me through many believers over the years. Help me to take the time to write some notes this weekend. Help me also to be an example of faithfulness and love to others.