17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me.

2 Timothy 1:17

Relentless

As a reminder, Onesiphorus (Ὀνησίφορος, Onēsiphoros, “profit bringer”) is an Ephesian friend of Paul who is mentioned only twice, both in 2 Timothy. Verse 17 continues in Paul's commendation of Onesiphorus to Timothy.Instead of being ashamed of Paul and his chains, the text says that, "he diligently searched for me and found me.""Diligently" (σπουδαίως, spoudaios) means to be conscientious in a duty or obligation, diligently, earnestly, zealously.Onesiphorus sought after Paul with zeal and diligence. He was relentless in his pursuit to care for Paul in his moment of need. While others (Phygelus and Hermogenes) deserted Paul and deserted the faith (v.15), Onesiphorus comes running towards Paul. Clearly, Paul is trying to show a contrast between the faithful and the unfaithful.Dr. Zuck says it best,

The contrast between the faithful and the unfaithful, the strong and the weak, the trustworthy and the unreliable is striking...the very things Paul had been warning Timothy against--cowardice, shame, self-indulgence, infidelity. Onesiphorus, on the other hand, demonstrated the characteristics Paul had been recommending to Timothy--courage, love, self-discipline, boldness, and faithfulness.

Consider your team, your tribe, your people. This could be your family or your closest friend(s). Would you say that you diligently pursue them? Especially when they are in a tough spot, is that when you lean in, or lean away? Let us take a page out of Onesiphorus's book: let's diligently pursue, let's lean in and selflessly serve our people in Jesus's name.