Paul heard from others that Philemon was a man of love and faith.

“Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints” (Philemon 1:5).

What do people hear about Mark Roth? Not either of those, I’m sure.

Why not?

And what can I do about it?

Maybe those questions can hang unanswered in my mind for a while.

Something else about Philemon’s reputation impresses me this morning.

Love toward Jesus and all saints I can understand.

Faith toward Jesus I can understand.

But faith toward all saints?

Apparently Philemon was a man who trusted his fellow believers. He had faith in them. He was affirming of and encouraging toward them.

I also infer from this that Philemon was one to build up instead of tear down. When visiting with Brother A, he would try to build up Brother A’s view of and esteem for Brother B.