Some people leave a lasting impression, especially those you have only encountered briefly. The Bible has a number of them. Jewels of refreshment. Saints without egos. Examples of encouragement.
Second Timothy mentions a saintly nobody, Onesiphorus, who was an encouragement to Paul. Onesiphorus, a name often mispronounced, sought Paul in Rome. He found him in jail. Would you look for a friend in prison? Onesiphorus knew Paul and knew his preaching was offensive to politicians.
Silent service happens in unusual places and in unique circumstances. Dedication ignores the boundaries and opinions of man. Faithfulness overlooks surroundings and looks to God. True friendship shows itself when others flee. For some, jails, hospitals, nursing homes, and Hospice care are fences. But the few, the ones who stick closer than a brother, are the true friends. They are willing to climb over the walls of life. Fleshly callousness doesn’t exist.
As believers, we have friends—Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They promised never to leave us. Hospitals and Hospice don’t scare them. That’s where they get closest to an individual. Their commitment to each Christian is one of inseparability. No circumstance can drive them away. Jewels like these shine in the darkest times.
Your friend, coworker, or neighbor may be your dearest friend. They help and stick by your side when no one else will. They take the time to be there when no one else will. They are your Onesiphorus. Just serving to serve.
