The Courage to Go and Care
My dear son,
Love that continues to value a person when circumstances change is a precious gift. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. He sought him out and encouraged him, and the kindness of that visit stayed in Paul's memory.
You do not need to gather every solution before you can go near someone. Taking time to ask how they are and listen to their story can hold a great deal of love. Your presence can matter in its own right.
If someone comes to mind tonight, tell me their name. You might make room for a conversation when you can. And when you need help yourself, receive the kindness offered to you. Love can find its home between people that way.
With all my love,
Your Father
2 Timothy 1:16–18
WEB16May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
17but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently and found me
18(the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.
A short reflection
Paul remembers how Onesiphorus was unashamed of his imprisonment and diligently sought him out in Rome to refresh him, and prays for mercy on his household.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter