WELCOME HIM AS YOU WOULD WELCOME ME
Philemon 1:1-25
In my view, what was most interesting about Paul’s letter to Philemon is what was not said. Granted, I am only guessing (because nothing was said) but I think that there were deep issues between Onesimus and Philemon, leading him to risk death and run away.
It is likely that these developments happened before Philemon became a Christian, because I don’t think Christian Philemon would have allowed matters to develop to the point that the slave thinks risking death by running away is the better option.
By the providence of God, Onesimus became a Christian in Rome, and met Paul there. Inevitably the story came out and Paul was determined to put things right and lay to rest a ghost in Philemon’s past.
Paul chose to do this by standing in front of Onesimus before Philemon: treat him as you would treat me; whatever he owes you, charge it to me; and if I have meant something to you, let him benefit from it.
Throughout the letter, Paul affirmed the love that exists in the heart of Philemon, and he emphasised that a redeemed Onesimus is far more valuable than just retribution.
This, of course, is what Christ did on our behalf before God. And if we have been saying in our hearts, as we read the letter, that the right thing for Philemon to do was to forgive Onesimus and take him back and then release him to service for Paul, then we understand the heart of our God and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Paul’s view, it was important for Philemon to set right this matter not just in his mind, but in his spirit. And Paul was willing to be the medium of healing for his friend, his partner and his fellow brother in the Lord.
This beautiful example of how Paul helped his brother restore his spirit over a trauma in his past should give us many possibilities as to how we can be a positive encouragement to our fellow brother or sister.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”