Philemon 21-22
My stomach was warmed by the meal and my heart was full from the conversation about our Lord and Savior. Snow crunched under my feet as I said goodbye, and the snowmobile rumbled to life as I headed into the middle of winter and the middle of the river that was frozen solid. There was nothing between where I was and home but an hour ride, and a red fox. I excitedly tried to follow the beautiful creature but he did not want my company and headed for the thick brush of an island. What a day! I had the privilege of enjoying good food, wonderful insight into a brother’s spiritual growth plus sighting one of God’s beautiful four legged creatures. It all started with my unannounced visit to a brother in the Lord and his offering of hospitality. In Philemon 21-22 we see Paul encourage Philemon to practice hospitality. Paul starts by affirming Philemon (21). He confidently believes that what has been requested will be done based on Philemon’s prior conduct as a partner and character as a brother in Christ. Philemon has been praying for Paul. As an answer to this prayer, Paul believes that he will be released from prison soon. Upon his release Paul desires to visit and stay with Philemon (22). Paul is encouraging hospitality toward all believers, including Onesimus, by providing spiritual accountability for the action of hospitality. At its core, hospitality shows Christ like love and acceptance. May our faith in Christ season our hospitality and our hospitality warm the hearts of others.
For more see PHILEMON
My stomach was warmed by the meal and my heart was full from the conversation about our Lord and Savior. Snow crunched under my feet as I said goodbye, and the snowmobile rumbled to life as I headed into the middle of winter and the middle of the river that was frozen solid. There was nothing between where I was and home but an hour ride, and a red fox. I excitedly tried to follow the beautiful creature but he did not want my company and headed for the thick brush of an island. What a day! I had the privilege of enjoying good food, wonderful insight into a brother’s spiritual growth plus sighting one of God’s beautiful four legged creatures. It all started with my unannounced visit to a brother in the Lord and his offering of hospitality. In Philemon 21-22 we see Paul encourage Philemon to practice hospitality. Paul starts by affirming Philemon (21). He confidently believes that what has been requested will be done based on Philemon’s prior conduct as a partner and character as a brother in Christ. Philemon has been praying for Paul. As an answer to this prayer, Paul believes that he will be released from prison soon. Upon his release Paul desires to visit and stay with Philemon (22). Paul is encouraging hospitality toward all believers, including Onesimus, by providing spiritual accountability for the action of hospitality. At its core, hospitality shows Christ like love and acceptance. May our faith in Christ season our hospitality and our hospitality warm the hearts of others.
For more see PHILEMON
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