I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
Philemon 1:7

I come from a big family; we were five brothers and two sisters, now, of course, all grown up, each with the concerns of his own life. Two sisters and one brother have gone to heaven, so now there are just four of us left.

We try to get together once a month or so, just to stay current with each other’s lives. We’re painfully aware that our numbers could be reduced again at any time, so we enjoy those catch-up moments. We share news about what’s going on in each of our households and pray for each other’s families.

Seeing the love and concern of my brothers brings me much joy and comfort. I know that my family is safe, that if something were to happen to me there is someone who will step up to make sure they are taken care of, and my brothers know that I will do the same for them.

Paul felt the same way about his brother in Christ, Philemon. He had seen the loving concern that resulted from the presence of Jesus in Philemon’s heart, and he knew that he could count on him to do what was needed, to behave as a brother, and to express loving, unselfish concern where it was called for.

Christian fellowship is precious. It doesn’t always look religious, but it’s very real and practical.

Lord Jesus, thank you for binding us together by Your Holy Spirit into a family, the Body of Christ. I pray that the fellowship of our faith would prove effective as You reveal all the good things You have put in us, by Your indwelling presence in our lives. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles