“Onesiphorus often refreshed me and wasn’t ashamed of my chains. When he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me.” (2Tim.1:16–17)
Lord Jesus, thank you for my Onesiphorus-like friends. “Refreshers” who live as well-placed fountains of your grace, mercy-givers in response to my weaknesses, bearers of my heart-burdens and shame, laugh-generators when that’s what I need more than a Bible verse, friends who equally pray and play.
Jesus, make me more like them. Fill my heart with your mercy, kindness, and playfulness. Give me Gospel eyes to see my friends as you see them. Give me words to sustain my weary friends, a non-anxious presence in their heart-storms, an unrushed spirit when they need to be heard more than they need my advice. Sensitize my spirit to your Spirit’s promptings, Jesus.
Send me today to those who need encouragement, a reason to hope, a concrete manifestation of your gentleness and care. It may take the price of an airline ticket to find them. It may simply require a walk across the street, a drive across town, a face-to-face visit, a hug, a call, an email, a text—some small thing that will bring a profit beyond my imagining.
Jesus, you searched hard to find us, and you did—and still do. You’ve broken our chains and borne our shame. You ever live to pray for us, are always delighting in us, and love us 10,000 times more than we realize. We’re a mess, but Hallelujah, we’re your mess. It’s hard down here, but it’s awesome to belong to you. Help us give others a taste of that awesomeness today. So Very Amen.
