Proclaimer Blog
Refreshing the heart
I finished my rather elongated study of Philemon today and have been bowled over by some of Paul’s vocabulary. Significant, I think, is the strong language of heart refreshment. Paul uses this elsewhere (e.g. 1 Cor 16.18), but nowhere as obviously as here, where the language becomes an integral part of his appeal to Philemon.
Notice first that Philemon’s reputation is as a heart refresher and, moreover, it is this (rather than, say, his theological brain) which stirs up Paul’s spirit: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” It is possible that Paul is referring to a one-off event, but the context and content of the verse make this unlikely: more obviously, this is simply who Philemon is.
Then the language reappears in Paul’s appraisal of Onesimus who has been converted whilst under Paul’s care. “I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you.” The relationship between Onesimus and Paul is more than utilitarian (though it is not less than this, v11).
Finally, Paul brings the threads together and makes his appeal to Philemon on the basis of this demonstrable refreshing nature. “I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.” Philemon can demonstrate his own reputation is well founded by welcoming the slave back home.
This language got me thinking. And there are all kinds of challenges that result.
Who has refreshed your heart? Do you remember to thank God for them and allow them to encourage you, the way Philemon did to Paul?
Would anyone describe you in this way? Who? Why? Why not? This is not the kind of normal evangelical language to describe relationships, but shouldn’t it be? You? Your church?
There’s lots to pray about. We’ve recently (and rightly) become obsessed with keeping the heart in a Flavel-Proverbs type way. But we must also think about refreshing the heart.