Your Slave, Your Brother
Backstory:
While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, a believer in Colossae who was a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, apparently had stolen from him and run away, a crime punishable by death. But Onesimus met Paul and through his ministry became a Christian. Onesimus was willing to go back to his master, and Paul wrote this personal plea asking Philemon to accept Onesimus as a Christian brother.
God’s Story:
I love my people. I love them so deeply that I sent my Son to earth to die a painful death so they could be reconciled to me. Jesus gave his life for this purpose. Because I have extended such grace to the world, I expect my people to do the same in their relationship with others.
Read Philemon 1-25
Your Story:
Paul was a peacemaker and mediator between 2 people of opposing social standings. His letter is a perfect example of Christian diplomacy. He had the authority as God’s apostle to tell Philemon what to do, but he didn’t. Instead, he appealed to Philemon as a fellow believer and member of Christ’s family. Do you currently have a relationship that is strained? Are you being asked to help restore a wounded relationship? Read this letter as if you were the recipient of Paul’s encouraging words on acceptance and reconciliation. Does it change your perspective on your situation?