Philemon 1:8-25
Reflect
God works in beautiful and powerful ways! Onesimus was a runaway slave from his owner Philemon. It was during his absence that Onesimus was met with the friendship and teaching by Paul about the risen Christ where he became a Christian. Here we find that Paul appeals to Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a fellow brother-in-Christ. Talk about the gospel!
Paul was pointing to a higher more supreme ethic – it was a different course of action. Onesimus’ return would require an ample amount of grace, love and forgiveness. He was appealing to God’s agape love – the transformative love, force, and power that breaks barriers to reconcile and promote the higher virtues in this relationship. Paul was not aiming for pity, but loving fellowship that lifts the role of slave and puts on the role of relationship just as Christ accomplished on the cross.
Forgiveness is not an easy task – it requires humility, love and the utmost compassion. But in the same way Paul was appealing to Philemon to graciously receive Onesimus, we’re called to extend that level of grace to others as well.
Apply
Recall a time where you received forgiveness and reconciliation. How did that impact you?
What barriers or obstacles hinder your ability to show grace and forgiveness?
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Angie Clark.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.