Be a Source of Comfort

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, July 24, 2025

Today's Text: Philemon 1:1-7

Key Verse: Philemon 1:7 (KJV): "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."

In the Book of Philemon, the Apostle Paul expresses great joy and comfort in Philemon's love and faith, especially in how his actions have refreshed the hearts of other believers. Paul uses this as an encouragement for Philemon to extend that same kindness and refreshment to Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave who has become a believer. Essentially, Paul is urging Philemon to be a source of comfort and reconciliation, reflecting the comfort he himself has received from God. Specifically, Paul urges him to receive Onesimus back not just as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ. This is the way to reflect that he is truly a Christian, an instruments of comfort and reconciliation, and of course, a way to reflect the comfort we all have received from God.

Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Paul elaborates on the idea of God being the source of all comfort, and how believers are called to comfort others with the same comfort they have received. This passage underscores the idea that believers are not just recipients of comfort, but also channels through which God's comfort flows to others. Therefore, the Book of Philemon, in its context, encourages believers to be sources of comfort and reconciliation, particularly to those within the Christian community, mirroring the comfort they have received from God.

Jesus cared for all categories of people without prejudice to their sins or righteousness. All of us who genuinely follow Him must love and care for others. It is by so doing that we demonstrate God's love for them. Just as a gardener's care helps a plant grow, our care can help others grow in their faith and well-being. Unfortunately, arrogance, pride, and sensuality are robbing our generation of this blessing. Caring for others requires humility and a willingness to serve. It requires striving to serve others with kindness and compassion, just as Jesus taught us. If and when more Christians care and show compassion, we shall begin to have a more profound impact on others' lives.

Action Steps: Be intentional about looking for opportunities to serve and care for others. This could be as simple as offering a listening ear or helping with a practical need. When interacting with others, strive to show empathy and compassion. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their perspective. Pray for those around you, asking God to meet their needs and show them His love.

Quote for the Day: "Care and compassion for others help them flourish in their faith and well-being." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the love and fellowship that You've given me in the body of Christ. May the hearts of Your people be encouraged and refreshed through our relationships with one another. Just as Your love has brought us together, may we continue to experience joy and comfort in each other's company. Help us to love and serve one another with kindness, and compassion, and may our relationships be a source of strength and encouragement to those around us. Please give me the humility and willingness to serve others, and impact their lives in a positive way — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Matthew 10:42, Luke 19:38, and Hebrews 2:11.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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