Love that Encourages and Doesn’t Break Down
We’re closing a short series on Paul’s letter to Philemon, this week. We saw in week 1 how Philemon was a committed Christian who still had a blind spot or two and needed to grow in his faith. We saw last week how Onesimus was a slave who was saved by the grace of God, which changed everything for him. Today we are going to focus in on the one who wrote this letter – Paul, and the great love that he shows in this letter.
Paul wrote these words to Philemon, which we looked at in great detail two weeks ago: “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus… Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 1:4-5, 7 NIV11)
Words of Encouragement
What words of encouragement! If I was Philemon, and I opened a letter from Paul and read those words, how encouraged and lifted up I would have felt!
The sign of true loving leadership is encouragement. Have you ever known somebody who constantly beat you down? Sadly, many people grow up with parents who treat them that way. Perhaps you went through that, constantly belittled and broken down by a parent’s nastiness.
Many people end up in relationships where this happens. One of the main focuses of the marriage prep I do with couples who I do weddings for is about building each other up and refusing to belittle, bite and devour each other. How sad when couples who start in love end up breaking each other down verbally and mentally.
It happens at work as well. Many people have to deal with a boss or superior who is disrespectful and abusive. But it’s a job, and this economy, you want to hang on to your job.
Here’s the sad truth: many people have encountered this in the church too. They have met people in church who have belittled them, hurt them, and broken them down. It’s a terrible tragedy when this happens.
Here is Paul, a man of God with a lot of Christians in his care, and what does he do? He builds them up with words of encouragement! He helps them and uplifts them and motivates them in their faith!
Be an Encourager
Think VERY CAREFULLY about yourself now friends. Are you a builder-upper? An encourager? Do people leave a conversation with you stronger, or weaker?
Paul was writing this letter to deal with an issue in Philemon’s life. But notice his approach – he begins with sincere words of encouragement. Not buttering him up or faking it, but truly expressing his appreciation for who Philemon was.
Be a Paul. Be the person who is known for encouraging others.
What a world this would be if God’s people took on the role of encouragers like Paul did.
