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 a member of our forever-family we’ll have to wait till heaven to meet. But we’d love to imitate, long before we meet him in the new earth. He entered Paul’s pain, and brought refreshment. He wasn’t ashamed of Paul’s weakness. He gave encouragement, not shame.
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 precedence over our “to-do lists.” For “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love” (Gal. 5:6).
If we’re too busy to care, then we’re too busy. If we’re more irritated than merciful, in view of people’s various “imprisonments,” then we are more in chains than they are.
Jesus, you searched for us and found us. You broke our chains, bore our shame, and set us free. You are quintessential Refreshment. May we love others as you love us. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and liberating name.