You are aware that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me – may the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well how much service he rendered in Ephesus.

2 Timothy 1:15-18

All of us need to know we are loved. The apostle Paul was locked in a damp Roman dungeon, awaiting execution. He couldn’t help but feel hurt that many former friends had deserted him. How grateful he was for the friendship of Onesiphorus. Onesiphorus searched to find where Paul was imprisoned. He courageously visited Paul again and again. We should remember that a friend will give love at all times, especially in adversity. Commit to be being faithful to our friends.

Adversity is the test of true friendship.

Our Daily Bread – August 26, 2004