Refresh my Heart

Philemon 20b

Refresh my heart in Christ.

Just a simple phrase at the end of a letter...in this specific case it was Paul asking and urging Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ and not as a runaway slave. After Paul made his case, he asked Philemon to refresh his heart in Christ. How could he do this? By extending grace to Onesimus, Philemon was able to refresh Paul's heart. To me, this act reveals the huge bond of Christian fellowship. Onesimus was a runaway slave who deserved extremely harsh treatment upon his return, but because of Christ, Philemon could love him as a brother in the faith. The bond between Onesimus and Philemon was reestablished but now on an entirely new basis, Jesus Christ. And even more  than that, Philemon could bless Paul. All who are in the body of Christ have this ability and responsibility to bless one another because we are all part of the body of Christ. We do not cut off the toe to spite the hand. Instead we nurture and love the toe. Not only blessing the toe but also blessing the entire body. What a bond Jesus makes! 

Father,

Thank You for Your Son who makes such a bond a reality. Grow me in this fellowship so that my life can be a blessing to others. Help me to love the parts that are harder to love. 

In Jesus name,

Amen