“The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn’t some broad, general outline–it’s a long walk with a real Person. Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins” (Joni Eareckson Tada).
Paul shared his faith so he could refresh others. Sharing his faith allowed him to understand every good thing he possessed in Christ. Then he could consider others’ interests more important than his.
Paul wrote to Philemon, his friend and fellow worker, Apphia his sister, Archippus, his fellow soldier, and the church that met in their home. He thanked God remembering them in his prayers, hearing about their faith in Christ and love for all believers. Paul prayed that they be active in sharing their faith to have a full understanding of every good thing in Christ. Their love gave him great joy and encouragement because Philemon refreshed the hearts of believers (Philemon 1-7). Share your faith for a full understanding of every good thing in Christ so you can refresh others.
He appealed with love on behalf of Onesimus who became a Christian while Paul was a prisoner. Onesimus was now useful, but even dearer to Philemon. Paul desired to keep Onesimus as he could take Philemon’s place in helping him while chained for the gospel. Paul wanted Philemon’s consent to send him back so any favor was spontaneous and not forced. Onesimus might have been separated from Philemon so he could come back as a brother in Christ, not a slave (Philemon 8-16). Consider others’ interests more important than yours while seeking their benefit.
Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a partner. Paul wrote that he would pay whatever Philemon owed, but desired that Philemon refresh his heart in Christ. Paul was confident concerning Philemon’s obedience knowing he would do more than what was asked (Philemon 17-21). Think the best of others so you can minister beyond their expectations.
Paul hoped to be restored in answer to Philemon’s prayers so asked for a guest room. Epaphras, his fellow prisoner, sent greetings along with his fellow workers, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. Paul asked that the grace of Jesus be with Philemon’s spirit (Philemon 22-25). Take the initiative in restoring relationships as you trust in the prayers of others.
The benefits of actively sharing your faith:
1. Understand every thing possessed in Christ
2. Refresh the hearts of others
3. Consider others’ interests more important than yours
4. Seek the benefit of others
5. Think the best of others so you can minister beyond their expectations
6. Take the initiative in restoring relationships
7. Trust in the prayers of others
