Daily EncouragementSample

The man who by his ministry has encouraged so many is here seen expressing gratitude for encouragement he himself had received. It is particularly interesting, because this encouragement was received indirectly. It is Philemon’s love, refreshing the hearts of discouraged saints in Colosse, which sends a surge of joyous encouragement into Paul’s heart. Those who have tasted the thrill of hearing reports of the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of those whom they have influenced for Christ will know how the apostle felt. A Christian’s ministry of encouragement may reach further than he ever imagines. Alexander McLaren puts it so well: No man can ever tell how far the blessing of his trivial acts of kindness, or other pieces of Christian conduct, may travel. They may benefit one in material fashion, but the fragrance may reach many others. Philemon little dreamed that his small charity to some suffering brother in Colosse would find its way across the sea and bring a waft of coolness and refreshing air into the hot prison house. Such indirect encouragement which reveals a brother’s true worth, makes it much easier to approach him, whether with a minor request, such as asking for a guest-room (verse 22), or a major one, such as pleading with him to accept a former runaway slave as a brother in Christ.