Sometimes people tell me, “I’m praying for you.”

I’m always thankful when I hear that because I know I am on someone’s mind… and I know that God is being reminded of me too!

This morning I read the letter that St. Paul wrote to a man named Philemon. It’s actually called “Philemon” in the Bible. In his opening lines to Philemon, Paul says this:

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

A few things come to mind as I read this letter found in Scripture:

• Faith in Jesus and love for people – these were the two distinctives that came to Paul’s mind as he thought about and prayed for his friend Philemon. I wonder what comes to people’s minds when they pray for me? I hope it looks something like faith and love!
• Faith and love produce generosity! The more I trust Jesus and the more I love people the greater my acts of generosity will become! I want to be a generous man; generous with words of encouragement, acts of service, investments of quality time, appropriate hugs, and meaningful gifts.
• My faith in Jesus and love for people makes life easier for my family and friends. I love what Paul said to Philemon – Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.” I want people’s lives to be better because of my faith and love… just like Philemon’s friends and family benefited from his decision to trust Jesus and love people.

So are you reading the Bible? If not, here’s a reading plan that I’m following that might prove helpful for you too – C180 60 Day Reading Plan 3.