[2020 Vision] Rest-olutions and Resolutions, Part 3. Meaningful RelationshipsSample

Refreshing Results

The book of Philemon only has one chapter. It is right after Titus and right before Hebrews. Philemon is the owner of the house where the church of Colossae met. He had a slave, Onesimus, who ran away. At this time there were about 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire. Slavery was based upon capturing enemies in battle. Instead of killing your enemies, you enslaved them. Slaves were very valuable, depending on their skills, so having Onesimus run away was a big deal. 

But when Onesimus ran away, he ran smack dab into Paul. And when you run into Paul, you’re going to have either a riot or a revival, so Paul led Onesimus to Christ. He sent him back to Philemon with a note that said, “I want you to receive him as you would a brother in Christ.” Paul told Philemon, “Onesimus is your brother in Christ.” 

So Paul asked, “Would you do me a favor? I want you to take Onesimus back, and I want you to treat him right. If he's got anything wrong with him, I want you to put it on my account. Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord? Refresh my heart in Christ.” 

Refreshment is a key Greek word. It is found in 1 Corinthians 16:18 and in Matthew 11:28. A meaningful relationship has a refreshing result. You find rest in refreshment. 

There are some relationships in life that will be toxic. In a toxic relationship, as you come closer, all the energy is being sucked out of you. They say things like, “Well I love you, but . . . “ Here we go. Here comes the wallop. You get to the point where you start getting mad before you even see them. That is the opposite of a meaningful relationship. A meaningful relationship should be refreshing.

Philemon was the kind of guy to whom Paul could say, “Look, I want you to welcome him back, all right? I want you to refresh my heart.” Paul and Philemon had a meaningful relationship, a good friendship. In verse 7, Paul said about Philemon: “I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Remember that. Be the kind of person who refreshes the hearts of the saints. Resolve to build meaningful relationships.