Sharing Your Faith

Today's reading: Philemon

I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. Philemon 6 NRSV

Have you ever shared your faith or your faith story with someone else?

How did you feel? What was their response?

Paul writes a letter to his friend Philemon in order for him to receive back the slave that had run away. Paul begins the letter by telling Philemon that he has been praying for Philemon. Specifically, Paul gives thanks to God for Philemon and asks that Philemon's sharing of his faith may be effective. Paul seems to be saying that Philemon will be more effective or motivated to share his faith with others when he sees what good he can do for Christ. Paul goes on to explain that Onesimus, the slave, is now a Christian. The idea seems to be that it has been because of Philemon's own sharing of his faith in his own household that his slave is now his brother in Christ. Paul says, "Philemon, don't punish him because of all the good Christ is going to do in Onesimus' life just as you have done good in your own."

We become more effective and motivated to share our own faith stories when we see the results in the lives of those to whom we have already shared our faith.

God, show us those who have been led to you because, among other things, they heard our own faith testimony. May we be motivated to share more because of the good we see Christ doing in their lives. In His name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims