The RunawayVzorec

Day 4) He Releases Them Through Repayment

Three Debts That Must Be Repaid

1) Our Debt To God

In an amazing demonstration of love and selflessness, Paul offered to repay any cost that Philemon would incur to welcome back Onesimus. He wanted Onesimus, once a mistreated slave, to have a fresh start in the eyes of his master. The same is true for us in our relationship with our Master—God. He has forgiven our great debt and offers us a fresh start.

2) Our Debt To Others

Since we have been forgiven an incredible debt, we must recognize that we, too, have inflicted debts on others. In these instances, it is essential for us to pursue those we’ve wronged and ask for their forgiveness.

3) Other’s Debt To Us

Yes, people will hurt you. Maybe you have been hurt or betrayed in ways that are difficult to describe. God sees your hurt, and He understands your pain. His arms are wide open to heal your heart, and the forgiveness you have received should flow through you, enabling you to forgive others.

Big Idea

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our debt to God is forgiven, offering us a fresh start and the call to extend that same forgiveness to others. Just as Paul offered to repay Onesimus' debt, we are called to reconcile, forgiving those who have wronged us and seeking forgiveness where we have caused harm.

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) How does understanding that Jesus repaid our debt to God shape our view of forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships with others?

Question 2) In what ways can we practically pursue those we’ve wronged and ask for forgiveness, as Paul did in his relationship with Philemon?

Question 3) What role does God's grace play in healing the hurt caused by others, and how can we extend that grace to forgive those who have betrayed or harmed us?