Who in the Bible is said to have had a "refreshing" religion? Onesiphorus, of course. Not exactly a household name is it? Yet he was one who meant much to the Apostle Paul and made a difference in his life through his encouragement. Paul in 2 Tim. 1: 16 asks the Lord to grant mercy to his house "for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains." His name and deed has spanned the centuries and re-affirms for us the truth that all of us have something we can do, which may make a difference in the life of someone and in the Lord's work in general.

    Because of his example we are compelled to ask, "Do I have a refreshing religion?" Do people feel refreshed in spirit, encouraged and edified as a result of my contact and association with them? I am well aware that every encounter we have with people cannot result in that kind of situation; however, it ought to be a part of our makeup, our character as Christians.

    In an article submitted by sister Nella Collins entitled, "Evaluator or Affirmer" the author, George Miller, references a work by Joyce Landorf in which she makes the following statement:
 
                " I am sure, if there were a way to view a movie and see instant replays of all
                     the strategic change points in our lives, that we'd instantly spot the people
                     who either broke our spirits by their critical or judgmental evaluations, or who
                    healed us by their loving, perceptive affirmations."
    Mr. Miller then adds his own helpful observations:
                    In looking back over my life I can indeed remember some of these people very
                    vividly, and I'm sure you can too. But looking back isn't the challenge. Nor
                    is it identifying the evaluators and affirmers who are influencing our lives at
                    present. The real challenge is identifying which one we are. Are we evaluators
                    or affirmers? Do we look for ways to build people up or tear them down?
    Even more to the point, the Apostle Paul admonishes, "Let us consider how to stimulate one
 another to love and good deeds" (Heb. 10:24), and "In love serve on another" (Gal. 5:13).

    Thanks to Onesiphorus for his enduring example for us all. I doubt he had any idea that his actions would have such a far-reaching effect; nor do we know the good that a small, but meaningful act may have. God can and will bless our efforts for good and multiply the seed sown
(2 Cor. 9: 10). May the Lord raise up more like Onesiphorus.