Chosen Family

Paul writes to his friend Timothy about how he felt betrayed by some friends. Perhaps you can relate to feeling like your family or friend doesn’t have your back.

You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. - 2 Timothy 1:15-18

And yet, Onesiphorus came through for Paul in his time of need. He demonstrated faithfulness and sacrifice. And he showed up. Some people say that showing up is 90% of friendship.

Yesterday we talked about how Paul and Onesiphorus were chosen family to each other. There was no blood relation, but they acted like family is supposed to act. And, in particular, we get to see Onesiphorus really taking some initiative to be there for Paul.

So what’s the state of your chosen family? Who are you choosing in to be their friend, and who is choosing in to you? As Byron shared yesterday about his conversation with God about these very things, he asked, “God is this all there is for me or is there more?” That might be a good question to ask now.