It is refreshing to read Paul’s letters but especially to read the ones to individuals. Too often Christians can be judgemental and suspicious towards each other. What we see in Paul’s letters is someone who genuinely loved and wanted to encourage those he knew. He opened his letter to Philemon in this way:

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker – also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier – and to the church that meets in your home: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1-3 NIV)

Notice how he regarded Philemon: he was not only a dear friend but regarded as a fellow worker. We believe that Archippus was his son, and he, too, was respected for his work – Paul called him a fellow soldier. He asked for God’s grace and peace belong to them and the congregation where they were in Colossae.

In the next few verses we learn that Paul included specific people in his prayers.

“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. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 4-7)

It seems obvious that Paul knew Philemon well but he also received updates from others about him. What he heard spoke to his faithfulness – he heard about his love for other Christians and of his faith in Jesus. These are things that can be seen in someone’s life. If we have love for others it is seen in what we do for them and how we treat them. A person’s faith can be seen in how they live, what they do for others, and in their trying to teach and encourage others. When Paul prayed he would thank God for this man and his family and what they were doing for the Lord.

Paul called Philemon a fellow worker but also regarded him as a partner in the service of Jesus. He prayed that his faith would be effective and lead to a deeper understanding of what we have in Jesus and how we live because of this relationship. All that Paul heard about Philemon was a great joy and encouragement to him. Keep in mind that Paul was a prisoner at this time, as far as we know this was when he was under house-arrest and chained to a Roman soldier in his own rented home. He needed encouragement and wanted to hear how people were doing. Christians visited and gave him updates on what was going on and when he heard about Philemon it brought him joy to hear of someone who was refreshing the hearts of God’s people.

Just this little snapshot of Philemon tells us that he was someone who was respected because he was a diligent servant of Jesus. He led a life worth imitating.

As we think about Paul’s praying we might ask ourselves how this compares to our prayers. Do we pray for other Christians in the detail that Paul did? Most pray for those we know who are ill, but do we give thanks to God for other Christians because of their faithfulness and encouragement? Do we even take time to remember other Christians in our prayers?

The example of Paul shows us that we need close relationships with Christians and that we need to be praying for each other, giving thanks for faithful lives lived in the service of Jesus. Let us always give thanks for those who are a source of joy and encouragement to ourselves and to others. May we be a joy and encouragement to those around us.

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Readings for next week: Colossians 3-4; Philemon; Luke 1-2