Life Lessons From 25 New Testament CharactersSýnishorn

Reconciled
Onesimus became a new man when he became a follower of Jesus Christ. He was a runaway slave. His owner, Philemon, was a slave owner, but he, too, trusted in Christ and became a new person. Did this change their relationship at all? The Apostle Paul intervened and wrote a letter to Philemon saying a LOUD “YES!” The Gospel changes relationships and becomes greater than any other temporary descriptor we may have for one another. Paul said, “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:15-16) God changes relationships, no matter how bleak they were, through making us new through Him. Master or slave, we’re now equally beloved brothers.

THINK and PRAY:

It’s not just theory when God says He changes people’s hearts and makes us love like Him, forgive like Him, and reconcile relationships, as Christ perfectly exemplified to us. That process really happens and displays a supernatural example of God's love in a world full of broken systems, societies, families, and relationships. If a slave owner and a slave could become reconciled as brothers and family members in God’s family, what does that mean for us and the ways God can empower us to love the people in our lives and repair broken relationships? What has separated you from other people? Harsh words? Abuse? Prejudice? Envy? These things may be in your past or in a present situation, but how would you apply the words of Philemon to your life? Who can you be willing to see in a new light because of what God has done for you? He makes enemies into friends, sons, and daughters. He wants to repair broken relationships through His people and love. Let’s be open to being humble agents of reconciliation.