Reflection:
Today I want you to place yourself in Philemon’s position.
Philemon was a well-respected church leader at Colossae (v2). He was living out a life of love and faith (v5), praying for Paul and offering him hospitality (v22). It was not his fault that Onesimus, his slave, ran away. In the culture of his time, a runaway slave was a grave issue. It costs money — you bought your slaves and they were your property. It was offensive — slaves were part of your family, it was a significant personal insult to have one abscond. It costs your reputation — everyone knows… ‘Onesimus has gone, what kind of master are you?’ And, in truth, you could do almost anything, except kill him, as a punishment.
Must you really accept him back, without punishment? Must you really consider him ‘no longer as a slave… as a brother’ (v16)? How is such profound forgiveness possible?
Philemon had every right, from the culture of his time, to refuse Paul’s request for forgiveness and reconciliation. It was genuinely counter-cultural. But, it is God’s way. As Jesus reminds us in the parable of the unforgiving servant, our own salvation depends on it (Matthew 18:35).
Who do you need to forgive? Will you try to copy Philemon?
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you that Jesus took on the punishment for our sin. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Amen.