By Ariel
Some verses feel like fireworks—BOOM, instant revelation. But others? They’re more like warm mugs of cocoa, gently wrapping around your heart. Philemon 1:7 is one of those verses.
This morning, our kitchen smelled like cinnamon toast and rainy-day pajamas. The table was covered in open Bibles, half-colored verse cards, and a small avalanche of stickers shaped like sheep. I was highlighting verses with my favorite glittery pen when Daddy read out loud:
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” —Philemon 1:7
Alice paused mid-scribble and whispered, “Refreshed? Like lemonade?”
Poppy chuckled from behind his coffee cup. “Maybe not that kind of refreshing, sweet pea.”
But I thought Alice was onto something. What if love and encouragement really are like lemonade for the soul? Sweet, surprising, and exactly what you need when you’re tired or hurting.
Yaya leaned forward, her voice soft like the quilt she made me last winter. “Paul was writing to remind Philemon that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice that brings others back to life. It’s how the gospel breathes.”
Right then, I looked at Alice, who was drawing hearts around a bunny named ‘Pastor Fluffernutter.’ And I thought: maybe love looks a little like that too—messy, joyful, and totally unexpected.
So I wrote this blog post because I want to understand it more.
What does it really mean to refresh someone’s heart in Christ?
Is it a kind word? A sticky note that says “Jesus loves you” on someone’s locker? Sharing the last cookie even when it has the most sprinkles?
Come explore this question with me. Let’s unpack a tiny letter from Paul that’s bursting with big reminders: that love matters, kindness sticks, and encouragement might just be the gospel’s favorite glue.
Ready? Let’s discover this together—one heart-refreshing verse at a time. 💖
💗 Faith That Encourages Others (Philemon 1:1–7)
Have you ever noticed how one kind word can change someone’s whole day?
That’s what we talked about during family Bible study—right between sips of warm cocoa and the occasional giggle from Alice and Mr. Fluffernutter (who she insists knows the entire New Testament by heart).
Daddy opened his big leather Bible to Philemon 1:1–7 and said, “Paul is writing to Philemon not just to thank him—but to celebrate the way his love and faith have refreshed others. When we love with intention, it brings strength and unity to the whole church.”
That word refreshed really jumped off the page for me.
“Wait,” I asked, “So Paul is saying that Philemon’s love actually made other believers feel stronger?”
Daddy nodded. “Exactly. It’s a reminder that our faith isn’t just for ourselves—it’s for building up the body of Christ. Every act of encouragement, every moment of kindness, can ripple through the church family like waves of joy.”
Alice looked up from doodling a bunny pastor with sparkly sandals. “So… when we love people, it makes them feel stronger inside?”
Yaya smiled and squeezed her hand. “Yes, sweetheart. That’s what Paul meant by refreshing hearts in Christ. Loving others doesn’t just help them—it brings them closer to God. It’s how we multiply joy.”
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” —Philemon 1:7
I thought about how a kind note, a smile, or even sharing my last pink sprinkle cookie could be more than just nice—it could be part of God’s plan to lift someone’s spirit.
Daddy closed his Bible and added, “Our daily choices matter more than we think. When we encourage others, we’re actually working alongside God to strengthen His people.”
🌱 Let’s Wonder Together:
Who in your church or family could use a little extra encouragement this week?
Have you ever felt “refreshed” by someone’s kindness or encouragement?
What’s one small way you can brighten someone’s heart today?
🙏 Giving Thanks for Faith That Shines (Philemon 1:4)
Have you ever met someone whose love for Jesus just shines through everything they do?
That’s what Paul saw in Philemon.
“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers.” —Philemon 1:4
During Bible study, Daddy explained that this verse shows how much Paul appreciated Philemon’s faith and love. He said, “Philemon wasn’t just quietly believing—he was living out his faith in a way that encouraged the entire church. His kindness and commitment had a ripple effect, strengthening the body of Christ.”
That got me thinking: Can one person’s faith really change everything?
“So Paul is thankful for Philemon because his faith helped other people too?” I asked.
Daddy nodded. “Exactly. Faith isn’t something we just carry around like a backpack—it’s something we wear, walk with, and share. Philemon’s faith was active. It moved. It loved. It guided people back to Jesus by showing them what real love looks like.”
Alice, who had just drawn a picture of Fluffernutter holding a prayer journal, whispered, “Maybe our prayers are like glitter glue. They help people stick with God.”
Yaya smiled so big. “Yes, darling. Paul’s prayer for Philemon reminds us to thank God for those who inspire us—and to pray for them too. Prayer connects us all like threads in a beautiful tapestry. It reminds us we’re not alone in our walk with Christ.”
That part really stayed with me: Our faith can inspire others, and our prayers can encourage those who inspire us.
Even kids can live like Philemon. Even kids can pray like Paul.
💬 Let’s Reflect Together:
What are some ways your faith could become “active” this week?
Who do you know that lives out their faith in a big, visible way?
Have you ever prayed for someone who inspires you?
💧 Refreshed Hearts Through Faith and Love (Philemon 1:7)
Some verses sparkle in your heart like a cool breeze on a super-hot day—and Philemon 1:7 is definitely one of those.
“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” —Philemon 1:7
During Bible study, Daddy leaned over the page and said, “Paul is celebrating how Philemon’s love brings encouragement and strength to others. To ‘refresh’ someone’s heart means helping them feel renewed—especially when they’re tired or facing hard things.”
That made me think of how water feels after running in the yard or how a hug from someone who really cares can make you feel better deep inside.
“So when Philemon helped others, it gave them strength to keep going in their faith?” I asked.
Daddy nodded. “Exactly. His love wasn’t just words—it was action. Christian love is about showing up, helping out, and reminding people they’re not alone. It’s in the little things—like kindness, encouragement, and generosity.”
Alice raised her hand (even though we weren’t in class) and said, “Like giving your cookie to someone who dropped theirs—even if it’s the cookie with the biggest sprinkle?”
We all laughed. But then Yaya said something really special.
“Christian love is meant to ripple,” she said, “like a pebble dropped in a pond. One small act of compassion can inspire a whole wave of goodness. When we encourage one person, they’re more likely to encourage someone else. That’s how God’s love spreads—through ordinary people doing extraordinary things with gentle hearts.”
That reminded me of something I once wrote in the margin of my Bible journal:
🌟 God’s love flows best when we pass it on.
Even tiny gestures—like writing a sweet note, helping with chores, or praying for a friend—can refresh someone’s heart in a powerful way.
🌱 Let’s Reflect and Refresh:
Can you think of a small act of kindness that made a big difference in your life?
Have you ever felt refreshed by someone else’s love or encouragement?
What’s one way you can refresh someone’s heart this week?
🧵 Building Unity Through Love and Faith (Christian Unity in Philemon)
During our Bible study, I felt like we were stitching something invisible but powerful—something that tied us not just to each other, but to the whole church family.
Daddy looked up from his Bible and said, “Philemon’s love and faith didn’t just help individuals—it strengthened the entire church. His actions brought believers together in unity, showing how living out the gospel transforms relationships and builds stronger communities.”
I blinked and whispered, “So… the way we love others helps the whole church feel more connected?”
Alice popped up like a bunny with a question. “So when we help and love each other, it’s like making our church feel like a team?”
Daddy smiled. “Exactly. Christian love and faithfulness are the threads that hold the body of Christ together. Think of a tapestry—every act of kindness, encouragement, or support is like a stitch that weaves beauty and strength into the fabric of the church.”
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” —John 13:35
Yaya added, “It’s not just about believing something—it’s about living it. Philemon’s faith wasn’t hidden. It showed up in how he treated others. That’s the kind of faith that creates real Christian unity.”
Alice nodded. “So… teamwork with Jesus?”
We all laughed, but honestly? That’s kind of perfect. When each of us shows love and lives faithfully, we’re working together toward the same mission: making Jesus known and felt in the world around us.
Even the tiniest thread—like sharing crayons during Sunday School—can help weave a stronger church.
💬 Let’s Weave It Together:
What’s a new way you can build unity in your home or church this week?
What’s one “thread” you’ve added to your church or family lately?
Can you think of someone whose kindness made your day better?
💡 Living Out Love and Encouragement in Real Life
After reading Paul’s letter and talking about Philemon’s example, we started brainstorming ways we could live out love and encouragement every day.
❤️ Showing Love in Practical Ways
“I think we can show love by being kind and helping others,” I said, looking at Alice, who was carefully peeling a glitter sticker off her Bible page.
Even the tiniest kindness—like sharing a snack, saying “thank you,” or really listening when someone’s had a tough day—can make a huge difference. Daddy calls those moments God-sized ripples because they start small but keep spreading outward.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:14
Small acts of love create safe places, warm hearts, and open doors for deeper friendships. Whether it’s smiling at a new kid at church or helping someone carry their books, those little moments matter.
🙏 Praying for Others Builds Unity
Daddy added, “Let’s not forget how powerful prayer can be. When we pray for our family, friends, or even someone we barely know—we’re reminding them they’re not alone.”
Alice raised her hand (again) and said, “Can we pray for Mr. Fluffernutter’s doctor appointment tomorrow?” We giggled, but Daddy nodded seriously and said, “Absolutely. No prayer is too small.”
Prayer is a beautiful way to love others from the inside out. It connects us to God and each other. When we pray together, we build unity, hope, and strength in our families and churches.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
💌 Encouraging One Another Every Day
Yaya reached into her tote and pulled out a stack of little note cards. “I like to write surprise notes and tuck them in places where people will find them when they need it most.”
That gave me an idea: I could leave a sticky note in Mommy’s planner that says, “You’re doing great!” Or draw a smiley face for Alice when she’s nervous about spelling tests.
Encouragement doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be real.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11
✨ Let’s Try This Together:
Can you think of someone you could pray for today—even if they don’t know it?
What’s one way you can show love to someone this week?
Who could use a little extra encouragement in your life right now?
🎯 Family Challenge: A Week of Encouragement
This week, our family launched something really special—we called it our Encouragement Challenge!
Each day, we picked one small but powerful way to show love and lift someone up. And wow… it filled our hearts more than we ever imagined. Not only did we spread joy throughout the week, but we also grew closer as a family, learning how encouragement can refresh hearts just like Paul said in Philemon 1:7.
🎨 Alice’s Heartfelt Card
One of my favorite moments? Watching Alice carefully fold colorful paper to make a card for our neighbor who was feeling lonely. She drew tulips, smiley suns, and even included Fluffernutter waving hello (with a glitter sticker, of course).
That neighbor wrote us the next day and said the card made her whole week brighter. I think Alice nearly floated to the ceiling with joy. It reminded us that even small hands can make a big difference when guided by love.
🕊️ Yaya’s Story of Kindness
Later in the week, Yaya told us a story about a time when a friend encouraged her during a really hard season of life. “I almost gave up,” she said softly, “but her words reminded me I wasn’t alone—and that God wasn’t finished with my story.”
That story stuck with me. It reminded me that when we speak life into someone, it might be exactly what they need to keep going.
“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.” —Proverbs 16:24
🌱 What We Learned
At the end of our Encouragement Challenge, we gathered around the table and shared what we learned. Here’s what we discovered:
- Encouragement doesn’t always mean doing something big. Sometimes, it’s just noticing someone.
- Kindness multiplies when it’s shared.
- Loving others refreshes our own hearts too.
This wasn’t just a week of doing good deeds—it became a mindset shift. We’re already planning a round two!
🛠️ Try It Yourself:
- Can you create your own Encouragement Challenge at home or church?
- What are 7 small acts of encouragement you could do this week?
- Who do you know right now that might need a little hope or a loving word?
💡 Final Thought: Love and Faithfulness Build Up the Church
Paul’s words to Philemon are more than just a thank-you—they’re a challenge for all of us. When we live out love and faithfulness, we strengthen the body of Christ and help others feel seen, supported, and deeply loved.
“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” —Hebrews 10:24
So let’s keep our eyes open for people who need encouragement—at home, at school, at church, or in our neighborhood. A note, a smile, a prayer… these things carry real power.
As we keep encouraging others, we might just find that our own hearts feel lighter too.
Let’s keep sharing, inspiring, and lifting each other up. Because love and faithfulness—just like Paul taught—aren’t just ideas to believe in. They’re beautiful, world-changing things we get to live out every single day.
With love and joy,
Ariel 💖
