Through the Bible: PhilemonNäide

Paul’s Plea For Onesimus

No longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 1:16 (ESV)

Paul inserts himself in the middle of a broken relationship between Philemon and his slave Onesimus by making an impassioned plea for reconciliation. He wants Philemon to set aside his natural feelings for vengeance and receive Onesimus back as much more than a slave – as a beloved brother in the body of Christ. It is not easy for Philemon or Onesimus to humble themselves, trust in God’s transformation, and look beyond the past to focus on the present to build a strong relationship with Christ. Are we willing to trust God’s leading and look beyond our experience, trusting that He would mend our broken relationships?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we are weak and can easily trust our own feelings, judging others and coming to conclusions about those around us. Lord, we thank You for Your great love and mercy, trusting that You can perform miracles of reconciliation. We rely on You, Lord, and we commit our relationships into Your hand. May You give us the courage to humble ourselves before people we have wronged and to accept others as You do. We thank You for Your mercy and pray all these in Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.