Do we love loving the saints; are we encouraged to hear of other believers loving the Lord? Paul wrote to the church, and specifically to his friend, Philemon, regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul met Onesimus in Rome and had led him to salvation in Christ. seeking to honor Philemon, Paul was sending Onesimus back to him with the request that he be received well and to love him as a forgiven brother, redeemed by Christ’s blood. Because of Onesimus’ new relationship with the Lord, there could be a new relationship with others. Perhaps remembering his own background of sin, Paul celebrated the radical change which had taken place in this one man. As he began, Paul wrote, I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints (Philemon 4-5).
Paul was thankful for the church and fervently prayed for them with thanksgiving. One of the reasons for his response to them was rooted in their love for each other. They didn’t pick and choose whom they would love; they didn’t just love some of the saints in the church; they didn’t favor just those who had the same interests. Paul noted that their love was for all the saints. Do we have such love? Might we remember we have all been lost sinners; we have all been faced with the same judgment and eternity; we have all been without hope. Now, as Onesimus, all believers have cleansed of sin by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; we have all been justified; we have all been granted adoption into the family of God; we have all been given a new and eternal inheritance. Also, we are all still in the flesh and are yet imperfect; yet, we are all called to grow in sanctification. May we be patient with one another, thankful for each other, and encouragers of each other. May it be said of us that we love hearing of the saint’s love and faith, and that we love loving “all the saints.”
Called to love others – we much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 