[The Epistle of Philemon] Rewards of Faith and Loveনমুনা

Christlikeness

In Les Misérables, the main character, Jean Valjean, steals bread and is imprisoned for attempting to feed his family. Upon his release, he finds himself once again destitute and is taken in by a priest. Valjean steals silver items from the priest and is apprehended by the police. He is then brought back to face the priest who, in an incredible act of mercy, pays Valjean’s debt and allows him to keep the silver. This profoundly transforms Jean, prompting him to extend love and forgiveness to others.

In the final verses of Paul’s letter to Philemon, Paul discusses taking risks in faith and love. This entails placing our trust in God and daring to love those around us through both words and actions.

One of the rewards stemming from love and forgiveness is the emergence of Christlikeness within us.

Paul urges Philemon to charge to his own account any wrongs and debts incurred by Onesimus during his service. This concept is known as “imputation,” mirroring what Christ did for you and me. Not only were our sins imputed onto Him, but He became sin for us, and later, He bestowed His righteousness upon us through imputation. Christ’s work made it so that when God the Father gazes upon us, He sees His Son.

In this manner, Paul sets an example. He is modeling Christlikeness by paying off Onesimus’ debt, enabling Philemon to declare that everything has been covered. Paul implores Philemon to forgive any transgressions Onesimus committed and to reintegrate him into the family as if he were Paul himself. This is grace in its most abundant form! Paul does not view forgiveness as an obligatory shackle, but rather as an opportunity to mold oneself into the likeness of Christ.

Jesus died to take our punishment so that His righteousness can come upon us and make us the fragrance of Christ. Where does this transformation shine brightest? In our daily interactions and our capacity to forgive when we are wronged. There exists no finer illustration of embodying the mind of Christ than this.

Lord, grant me the ability to daily forgive those who offend me, regardless of the cause. My aspiration is to become more Christlike each day and, as Paul did, to show Your love and forgiveness to others.