DCLM Higher Everyday 18 May 2024 — Onesiphorus’ Kind Acts
Topic: Onesiphorus’ Kind Acts
Text: 2 Timothy 1:13-18
14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Key Verse: “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain” (2Timothy 1: 16).
Message
While Apostle Paul was in prison in Rome for preaching the Gospel, several associates deserted him. However, Onesiphorus and his family stood by him. He often visited Paul to cheer him up, and provide his needs. Paul was so impressed by his kindness that he said, “But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently , and found me.” Hence John Wesley wrote: “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can,To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
What a great lesson for Christian youths! Stand by the persecuted because of their faith in Christ. Look out for Christian youths currently facing persecution from their parents, teachers or fellow students at school. Emulate Onesiphorus and be kind to them. Encourage them and provide whatever you can afford to keep them sustained in faith. Are you persecuted? Don’t give up. The Lord will send help your way shortly.
Quote: Stand by the persecuted
Challenge: Caring is helping to share burdens of others.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to show kindness to the suffering.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
