Recognition. Philemon 7.
For I have derived much joy from your love, my brother because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
Dear People of God,
Paul is about to make a very important request for Philemon. Before he makes an effort to show that he has great respect for Philemon.
Effect (v. 7a). Paul says he has benefited from Philemon’s love. As we will see shortly, this love may not even have been applied to Paul directly or even indirectly, but it gave him joy and comfort, nonetheless. This is typical of Paul, as it should also be for all believers, that a benefit to one is a benefit to all.
Effort (v. 7b). The reason Paul is joyful is that Philemon has refreshed “the hearts of the saints.” This could mean that he encouraged the believers. But being a person of means, it well may be that he supplied for the material needs of other believers. Everyone should work and earn a living but some situations call for charity – widows and orphans, the sick, the disabled, victims of catastrophes, even people who have lost their means of livelihood.
This is part of the scenario Jesus may have had in mind when he said “you always have the poor with you (Mark 14:7). The welfare of others will always be our concern.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.