[The Epistle of Philemon] Response of Faith and LoveSýnishorn

The Bond of Faith

Paul was in prison. His condition revealed what he really had from God. In prison, he had nothing but God’s love and the love of his brothers and sisters in Christ. The same is true of all believers: no matter where we find ourselves, we must show the love of God.

Paul calls Onesimus his son. Though Onesimus was Philemon’s runaway slave, Paul elevates him to the same position as Philemon. Philemon had the highest status and authority in Colossae; he was a rich man whose mansion housed the house church. Paul declares that Onesimus, a poor runaway slave, is now on equal footing with Philemon. They are his spiritual sons, and Onesimus ministers the Gospel on Paul’s behalf. In Galatians, we read that in Christ, there is no difference between Greeks or Jews, slaves or free, which reflects the attitude of heart to which Paul had been brought by God. We are all one in Christ because Jesus died for each one of us.

The love of Jesus Christ transforms us, just as it changed Onesimus, and that love is what Paul is asking Philemon to show once more. Onesimus is now a transformed servant who is serving a completely different Master. He is no longer serving only human masters but God. This is grace in action, of which we are all partakers.

Through faith, we are all accepted in the Beloved. Just as Paul is asking Philemon to accept Onesimus back, you and I were accepted by Jesus Christ. We were transformed by His love, and we are ready to preach the Gospel.

We have the choice to accept or reject the opportunities that Christ puts in front of us. And we see, in this passage, that Paul asks Philemon to restore his relationship with Onesimus. Forgiveness should be an expression of love based on our faith in Christ—not forced or guilt-imposed. The only way forgiveness works is as an act of the will. It does not work if we are forced to forgive. It only works if we do it voluntarily.

Lord, our faith in Christ binds us together like nothing else. Let us make the most of the opportunities You give us to restore relationships. When facing the choice to accept or reject them, help us to show the same love with which Jesus Christ loved us.