Somebody Loves You

TUESDAY June 3, 2025

Refreshed Hearts

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
2 Timothy 1:16-18

Paul had just mentioned two men who had forsaken him––Phygellus and Hermogenes––but now he mentioned Onesiphorus, a faithful friend who never abandoned him in his time of trial. The name Onesiphorus means “bringing profit.” True to his name, he brought the advantage of encouragement as he refreshed Paul’s heart. The word refreshed means “to cool” or “to revive.” Onesiphorus’ visit must have seemed like a breath of fresh air. The word refresh also means “to refresh one’s spirit by fellowship, consolation and kindness.”

Onesiphorus traveled all the way from Ephesus to seek out Paul in Rome. Once there, he inquired about the aged Apostle everywhere until he found him. He went the extra mile, doing all he could to locate Paul. Onesiphorus was unashamed to associate with a lowly prisoner. He did not care about Paul’s chains, nor was he afraid to be seen with him. Onesiphorus loved Paul the Apostle and desired to serve him in any way he could. Can you believe that? This was a sincere example of love, loyalty and commitment in a friendship.

There are many examples of believers, good and bad, recorded in the Bible, so that we can learn about their commitment, or lack of commitment, to Christ and their friends. Some walked closely with God and made a positive impact in the lives of their friends. Others walked away from Christ and left a negative impression. They failed their friends and left a bad witness to all who knew them––sad. Will you choose to be a loyal, faithful friend, or will you fail your friends through betrayal and abandonment? Why not be an Onesiphorus! Refresh your friends, go the extra mile for them, and may the mercy of the Lord always be with you.

A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips and sympathy in his heart.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!