The Merciful MasterSample

A Grateful Friend

The apostle Paul prayed often for his friend Philemon. These prayers were filled with gratitude for the blessing that Philemon was to his church and community. Paul had personally experienced the goodness of Philemon in Asia Minor as he was his pastor. Now, he also hears reports of his tremendous love and faith. The grace of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ was truly at work in Philemon’s life such that his life was a fountain of love and faith towards God and the household of God.

Philemon was a man of virtue and a blessing to the saints at Colossae and beyond. This was only because of His love and faith in the Lord Jesus above all things. Every good endeavor of Philemon flowed from the spring of Christ in whom he believed. His faith was genuine for it was grounded in the faithfulness of God and his love was sincere since it was nourished by the love of God. Therefore, Philemon’s life constantly displayed the inward reality of a heart transformed by the gospel. He dearly loved his Savior Jesus and thus his faith manifested in godly love towards others. This is what the Lord requires of all his saints - to love God and to love people (Mark 12:29-31).

Philemon stands out as a man of virtue for us to emulate only because of the grace of God in his life. God makes saints out of sinners since nothing displays the glory of the gospel clearer. This is why Paul gave thanks to God for his friend. A Christian always remembers their friends in prayers. They thank God for the work of grace in their companion’s life and the godly impact of such a life. In a world where people appreciate their friend’s accomplishments in earthly ventures, a Christian appreciates a friend’s virtue that the Spirit of God alone brings forth. May we too join Paul and thank God for the Philemons in our lives.