We find comfort in many different ways. Someone may be comforted by being provided with food and necessary goods. Sometimes a heartfelt word of encouragement gives you the strength to get back up after spending time alone worrying. Among those who give encouragement are people who have experienced difficulties and therefore can naturally share words of encouragement.
Last week, in the devotional book that our church uses for personal “quiet time”, we finished the book of 1 Corinthians where Paul was the one who received encouragement. Borrowing the interpretation of the pastor who wrote the book, Paul introduces the treasured figures Fortunatus and Achaicus. These people, in the place of Paul, met the needs of the believers and Paul mentions the joy he felt from the encouragement that he received from them, suggesting to others that they know these two people. It’s presumed that these two people were slaves and other than their names briefly mentioned in this passage, they are unknown people. But these two people didn’t flee when the hardest times found them and supported others in the things they had to do.
Actually, the people whom Paul needed were not those who would take care of Paul or provide for him but instead people who would stand firm and look at the Lord and serve during the difficult times that the church was in. The Bible does not expound in lengthy terms on the many things that these people did but in the most difficult time they stood their ground. Because they were likely slaves there probably wasn’t much financial or material that they could have given. But they were among the first to deeply experience Christ’s love and therefore gave their time and served firmly which was what, above all, gave joy to Paul.
We live in a society where giving someone encouragement and serving someone is often used as a marketing strategy. The people doing the “giving” often think about their reward for their “service”. From this perspective, the church that serves without expecting anything in return may seem foolish. But even so, you can see people in our community who have served firmly and stood their ground. Let us pray for these people who serve faithfully that their service would be pleasing to God. 1 Corinthians 16:18 says “for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.”