Strengthened by Graceਨਮੂਨਾ

All Turned Away

Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains.

Paul gives us a stark contrast between those who turned away and the one who stood beside him, no matter what. Onesiphorus went to great lengths not only to be there for Paul in spirit, but he also went to him in person. He earnestly searched for Paul, perhaps at the risk of his own imprisonment or death. Those who stand by us in the face of opposition are a special gift from the Lord; they are true covenant partners in the gospel. We are never alone. The Lord tells us over and over again in His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter how fierce the opposition from the enemy, He is there. Always. He will never abandon us.

The gospel and its implications are beyond us. Grace is astonishing. Will we ask the Lord for His help to live the life we have been given so that we will remain till the end? Will we be a friend like Onesiphorus to Jesus? Let us ask ourselves if we truly comprehend the grace of the gospel. Do we believe it? Are we fully convinced?

God calls us to die to sin, to self, to our will, to our wants, to our unbelief, to our self-love—and to live with unshakable trust in Christ, choosing to remain faithful to Him, trust Him, and follow His Word even when it means risking a friendship, a job, or a position. We are called to guard the gospel and remain faithful to Christ and love and care for those who are faithful servants of Christ.

True biblical friendship edifies, urges, encourages, and even exhorts friends to live and die for the gospel. Do you do this for your friends? Do you have a friend who does the same for you?

Do you have a friend who loves and encourages you in your walk with the Lord?

Take the Truth to Heart

Choose one Scripture from 2 Timothy 1:1-7 that the Lord is using to renew your mind and transform your heart (Rom. 12:2).

How is God using this Scripture to teach, instruct, reprove, correct, encourage, or train you (2 Tm. 3:16-17)? Take God’s Word to heart. Submit to it. Remember God’s love in the gospel.