I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Philemon 1:4-7
Paul wrote this about his beloved friend and brother in Christ Philemon. His words are so warm and uplifting and they literally embrace Philemon in the arms of brotherly love in Christ. As you read these verses it makes you want meet him.
But notice verse 6, Paul is reminding him about his generosity, faith, understanding and all the good things he has experienced in Christ. Then continues to remind him of how he has refreshed the hearts of God’s people. This is because Paul is about to ask him to take Onesimus the run away slave, under his wing and care for him. Paul tells him Onesimus is now a brother in Christ, will be beneficial to him in the preaching of the Gospel.
But if Philemon was such a gracious and kind person, why would Paul need to pray he would be like that to Onesimus. Because Onesimus was once Philemon’s slave, who not only ran away, but robbed him before he left. But God had a plan and had him run into Paul, who led him into a relationship with Jesus. And what a transformation it was, and he was ready now to go back to ask forgiveness of Philemon and all those he wronged. Although Philemon could have rejected him, instead he showed him the grace that was given him and accepted him back, but as an equal, a brother in Christ. This is a beautiful story of grace, redemption and renewal.
If we all would want to be seen as a Philemon was in today’s passage, then we also need to show the same grace, mercy and love. Once Onesimus became a Believer and ask to be forgiven, how could Onesimus not extend to him the same love and forgiveness that was extended to him. I wonder how different this world would be if we all would be more like Philemon?
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