Reflection:Â How do you view the people in your church community? Are there certain people that you prefer to talk to above others? This is something that I think we are all guilty of. We can too easily turn our backs on those that we think are different. We can easily neglect people in our community because we place a higher value on others. The challenge and encouragement from Paul here, however, is for Philemon to welcome Onesimus as if he was welcoming Paul himself. The challenge to us is to welcome the outcast as if we were welcoming a person of high profile. Imagine what our church communities would look like if we really lived this out. Imagine the impact that would have on those around us.
Who can you welcome today?
Prayer: Father — as I think of how you welcomed me into your family by grace — I ask, help me to welcome others. Help me see people as those created in your image, full of dignity, worth and value. Amen