The answer is: Philemon had refreshed the hearts of believers

v7

The writer's joy over Philemon is a testament to the powerful impact one individual can have within their community. In verse 7, we see that Philemon’s actions went beyond mere words; he actively refreshed the hearts of fellow believers. This speaks to a deep role of encouragement present in Christian fellowship, akin to a cool drink of water on a hot day.

Believers think of the early church being all about doctrine, yet it’s personal relationships and acts of kindness—like those done by Philemon—that reinforced their bond. In this short letter, we see a practical example that compliments heavy theological discourse elsewhere in Paul's writings. Sometimes it's the small things—making someone feel valued or understood—that carry the gospel in profound ways.

Interestingly, the name Philemon comes from a root meaning "to love," aligning wonderfully with the essence of his character. He lived fully into that name! His home appears to have been a central gathering space for believers, further nurturing this spirit of connection. This is similar to stories from the Book of Acts, where communal living and sharing created an incredible amount of goodwill among early followers.

Philemon stands as a compelling reminder that your actions and generosity can ripple through your community and refresh others spiritually. Take out your notepad because small acts of kindness count—a lot!