"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

    How true it is that love is the great sustainer. It conquers all and holds everything together. It is what binds relationships, marriage, and family. It encourages and lifts others up, keeping us going day to day. It refreshes and makes us feel alive, giving us a purpose to keep living. It is the same emotion and will that allowed Onesimus to return and have Paul send him gladly. And it is what gave Paul the wisdom to ask if he could be rejoined by his former master not as a slave, but as a dear brother. I pray that this same love will overflow from me to be able to share my faith with boldness and confidence. I don't want to back down when opportunities arise, but I want to share the love that has been given to me. I am sorry for the times where fear has overcome courage in situations of sharing my testimony. Why have I let awkwardness or discomfort control my actions? I should only be controlled by You and led by the Spirit. Let the active participation of sharing my faith give me a more complete understanding of every wonderful and abundant thing that has been given me.