May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,
for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me earnestly and found me. 2 Tim. 1:16–17
Dear Jesus, Onesiphorus is one of many of our brothers and sisters we’ll have to wait till heaven to meet. But he’s a member of our forever-family we’d love to imitate long before we meet him. He entered Paul’s pain and often refreshed him.
Though his name literally means “bringing profit,” he didn’t have to live that way. Apart from the gospel, he could have been self-absorbed and hypercritical, too sensitive and a quarrelsome type. In short, he could have been a real drain to be around, rather than a profit. But instead he was a source of great encouragement, and according to Paul, he worked hard at it.
Jesus, make us more refreshing in the way we relate to others. Fill our hearts with your kindness and our hands with your mercy. Give us gospel eyes to see others as you see them. Sensitize our spirits with your Spirit. May our to-love lists always take precedent over our to-do lists. For the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love (Gal. 5:6).
Send us today to those who need encouragement, a reason to hope, or a simple expression of care. It may be at the price of an airline ticket to find them. It may only cost a walk across the street or a drive across town, a face-to-face visit or a hug; a call, email, or a text—some small thing that will bring a profit beyond our imagining.
Jesus, you searched hard to find us, and you succeeded. You’ve broken our chains, borne our shame, and set us free. May we love others as you love us. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and liberating name.
