Word of Encouragement (8/27/2021)
Today, we move on to another prayer of Paul’s: “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you” (Phlm. 1:4-7).
Again, we read of Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving concerning a fellow Christian—in this case, Philemon. Isn’t it wonderful to have people in your life, for whom you can give thanks to God? It seems Paul had many. Did he have so many such people because he received a special blessing from God? That’s possible. But let’s think about this. Paul did not give thanks for them because they were perfect. They were flawed human beings, as we all are and as Paul himself was. We all are far from being perfect, not to mention how much we still sin in our actions and words and thoughts. If we scrutinize others with a critical mind, who will be good enough to arouse thankfulness in our hearts? If Paul was able to give thanks for them, it was because he was able to see the power of the gospel working in some areas of their lives despite their many flaws and faults. Isn’t this how God is able to delight in us? How can God delight in us in any way as a holy and omniscient God if He did not see us in Jesus Christ, washed by His blood and covered by His righteousness? If we did the same, maybe we will realize we have been blessed by so many people, for whom we can, and should, give thanks!
Consider also for what does Paul give thanks. For Philemon’s love and faith: “I thank my God... because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints....” Is Paul thankful for his love and faith because these qualities are perfect? Of course not. Until we are glorified, our virtues will never be perfect. If Paul thanked God for Philemon’s love and faith, it was not because they were perfect love and faith but because they were working love and faith. His love for the saints provided much joy and comfort to Paul (v. 7). His faith toward God is something that he shared with others (v. 6).
True love and faith are dynamic virtues. They are not something we tuck away somewhere just to keep in our hearts. They are like newborn babies that are hungry for nutrients and knowledge and skills so they can grow and do things and thrive. Likewise, love does not sit still and do nothing; it wants to give and share and care for others. Faith, too, does not sit still and do nothing; it wants to reach out and grab a hold of and strengthen its grip on what it believes and trusts. Our love and faith will never be perfect in this life. But what a blessing it is to be in the presence and fellowship of those, whose love and faith are active! And what a privilege it is if other people can give thanks to God for our love and faith because they are active and fruitful!
May the Lord surround you with people like Philemon (in fact, may you recognize many more fellow saints), for whose love and faith you can give thanks to God! And May you be like Paul, who does not forget what others have done for him and gives thanks for them! And may you be like what Philemon was to Paul to many people! In all this, let us not forget Jesus Christ, on account of whose love and faithfulness, Paul and Philemon were who they were and able to do what they did! For His love was not idle: He demonstrated His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, He died for us. And He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun for our redemption and therefore worthy of our faith in Him.