Everybody needs an Onesiphorus in his or her life.
Someone who is a friend through the toughest of times.
The Apostle Paul had a friend like this and it made a big difference in his life.
You know, of course, the very difficult times that Paul faced because of persecution against his faith.
Onesiphorus loved Paul, loved God and did all he could to serve both via an undying friendship.
This display of loyalty must have done wonders for Paul’s need of encouragement.
Here are Paul’s words to describe the value of the friendship with Onesiphorus:
“May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
Pray that God send a friend like Onesiphorus into your life so that you’ll be more encouraged in your service to God.
More importantly, pray that God transform you into a friend like Onesiphorus so that you might provide the depth of devotion and love for someone who is pouring his or her life into serving the Lord in the midst of difficult obstacles.
Perhaps you’ll be an Onesiphorus for a missionary serving overseas, sending repeated letters and gifts of encouragement as you build an ever-strengthening friendship.
Perhaps you’ll be an Onesiphorus for a Christian co-worker who is catching all sorts of grief because he or she won’t compromise morally or ethically as are other employees of the company.
Perhaps you’ll be an Onesiphorus for your pastor who is facing hassles because of his leadership efforts to change the culture of apathy within your congregation.
Be the friend that others need. Be an Onesiphorus.
In doing so, you’ll be “God with skin on” for one serving the Lord.
As always, I love you
Martin
