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
Lord Jesus, Onesiphorus is just one of many of my brothers and sisters we’ll have to wait till heaven to meet. But long before then, I’d like to become much more like him. Though Onesiphorus’ name literally means “bringing profit,” he didn’t have to live that way.
He could have been self-absorbed and hypercritical, a quarrelsome type or super sensitive—always looking out for himself, choosing to be first. In short, he could have been a real drain to be around—the kind of person people turn from, rather than towards. But instead, he was just the opposite. He was a source of kindness, loyalty, and refreshment; and according to Paul, he worked really hard at it.
Jesus, make me a much more refreshing, encouraging, and present person. Fill my heart with your mercy, kindness, and joy. Give me gospel eyes to see others as you see them, not as I assume they are, or want them to be. Sensitize my spirit with your Holy Spirit. S l o w m e d o w n. Help me specialize more in “being with,” than “doing for.” Free me from being the person who’s looking to get the best seat, biggest cookie, or last word.
As Onesiphorus with Paul, you searched hard to find us and you did, Lord Jesus. Thank you. You’ve broken our chains and borne our shame; you desire us and delight in us, pray for us and will return for us. May we offer a palpable taste of your heart and love to others today, no matter what chains bind them, or the address of their prison. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and liberating name.
