[The Epistle of Philemon] Taking ChancesSýnishorn

The Reward of Christlikeness

In this letter, Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus, a servant who’d run away. Paul encourages Philemon to take a chance in faith and love. This plan looks at the rewards this practice brings. They are Christlikeness, koinonia, and community (verses 17–25).

The first reward is Christlikeness. Paul not only talks about it but models it. Paul tells Philemon, “If you consider me a partner” (verse 17). Paul assumes that Philemon still considers him a partner despite this challenging request. Paul and Philemon were partners in spreading the gospel. They shared the fellowship of being in Christ. Now, Paul adds a business partnership: “Consider me a partner. I’m going to make a deal involving you, me, and Onesimus.”

Paul trusts that Philemon will consider his request. He also takes away any opportunity for refusal. Onesimus owes Philemon lost time, lost work, and perhaps more. “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me” (verse 18). Paul does exactly what Christ did for us. Christ took our sins and put them on His account. Isaiah 53:6 says, “The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Paul knew forgiveness and reconciliation in this relationship would powerfully affect the entire church that was meeting in Philemon’s house (verse 2). Paul tells Philemon to put any debt that Onesimus owes into Paul’s account. Then he adds, “I’m writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back” (verse 19). Paul is in prison. He has no money. We know believers supported him while he was in prison (Philippians 4:10–19). Yet Paul promises to repay whatever Onesimus owes and charges Philemon to “welcome him as you would welcome me” (verse 17). Receive him as you would me. Bring him into your family circle. Forgive him. Forgive whatever is owed. Nothing should stand between you and Onesimus.

It is said that forgiveness is the perfume that the trampled flower casts upon the heel that crushes it. Forgiveness is the fragrance of Christ to a world that does not understand the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:14). The world wants to exact revenge. But Paul, in effect, says to Philemon, “Be the fragrance of Christ. Be one who forgives.”

The first reward in taking chances in life and love is this: that forgiveness produces Christlikeness. Do you want to be molded and shaped in the image of Christ? If you do, take a chance in love. Forgive, and you will see God show up in ways you never dreamed possible.