Reflection: Paul gives thanks to God that Philemon loves God and loves his church family. Philemon seems like the kind of person who loves his church in big ways. They meet in his home; he’s most likely one of the leaders in the church, and sacrificially loves them. It is these types of people that our churches need. We know these people. They serve in ways that people may never see. They care deeply for those around them. They are always ready to listen and pray. They are always there to encourage others.  You may think, ‘I could never be like that’ – but here’s the wonderful thing — you can be. You can send a quick message of encouragement to someone. When you say, ‘I’ll pray for you’, do it right there with them. Ask or look for something that needs doing, no matter how small or unglamorous it may be. Think about how you can show love to someone else, even if it is not shown back to you.
Prayer:Â Lord, may I have a love for all your people. May I love like you do and serve with humility. Help me encourage those around me.