True Friends Who Do This For You Are Scarce.

2 Tim 1:15-17 - You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus , for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me --  NASU 

• The Pain Of Being Forsaken 

The apostle Paul was going through a low period in his life. He was in chains while in prison in Rome, but this was not the cause of his pain. It was his Christian brothers and sisters had turned away from him. They had forsaken him when he really could have used some encouragement from them.
 
They bailed out on him when he needed them the most. I am sure that most of us have suffered in this way at least once in our life. Life seems very dark and dim when those who are supposed to be your friends abandon you. 

• All Except One 

Onesiphorus was a true friend. He was from Ephesus. We are not sure why he is in Rome, but we know this much while in Rome he eagerly searches and finds Paul in prison. This visit caused Paul to be refreshed in his spirit.
 
Onesiphorus had made one really long trip from Ephesus to Rome and while he was there he searched and found Paul in prison.
 
It is my prayer for all my readers to have an Onesiphorus come into your lives. When Onesiphorus comes may he or she bring the same item and that is a "time of refreshing for your spirit."
 
Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul being in chains in prison. I pray that you will have a friend who will not be ashamed of you and this friend will bring encouragement to you. 
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• Be Like Onesiphorus 

One of the great lessons we can learn from Onesiphorus is we should imitate him.
 
As we travel through life we likewise should be looking for people who are going through difficult times.
 
I can tell you people who are going through a divorce feel like they have been abandoned. Give them a call and let them know you are thinking of them. See if you can meet them for lunch and refresh their spirit.
 
Some so called friends remind me of the old saying, "I'd love to help you out, which way did you come in?"  Friends are those who speak to you after others don't.
 
Onesiphorus was not afraid of Paul's chains. I pray you won't be afraid of your friend's chains whatever they are.
 
Think On These:
 
A breath of kindness is more moving than a gale of flattery.
 
If you must exercise, why not exercise kindness?

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word