Forgiveness

October 17

Jeremiah 27-29

Psalm 116:12-19

Proverbs 25:8-10

Philemon 1

Forgiveness

“I plead with you for my child Onesimus, of whom I became a father in chains, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.”  Philemon 1:10-11 LSB

Onesimus stole money from his master, Philemon, and fled to Rome.  By God’s grace and providence, the fugitive met and made friends with Paul, who led Onesimus to faith in Christ.

Onesimus quickly grew in God’s grace and became profitable to Paul in his ministry, even while Paul was in prison.  Paul had the unique opportunity of helping two brothers in Christ reconcile.  Roman law gave Philemon the authority to have Onesimus put to death for stealing from him and running away.  However, on behalf of Onesimus, Paul appealed to Philemon based on their shared brotherhood in Christ.  Paul argued that Onesimus’ relationship with Philemon had changed.  They were no longer merely master and slave; now they were both part of the family of God.  For that reason, Onesimus was useful and profitable to Philemon.  Paul told Philemon that he wanted to keep Onesimus with him in Rome.  However, he knew that Onesimus rightly belonged to Philemon.  Legally, his fate and his future were in his master’s hands, which Paul respected.  As believers we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Onesimus’ stealing from Philemon and running away was against the law, but God had used it to bring about his salvation and faith in Christ which was ultimately the greater good.  Paul urged Philemon to see this and react with brotherly love and affection instead of seeking justice for Onesimus’ crimes.  

To make the way forward more appealing to Philemon, Paul assumed all of Onesimus’ financial obligations.  He wrote, “If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.  I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.  I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well).  Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord.  Refresh my heart in Christ!” Philemon 1:18-20 LSB   As quickly as he cleared any damages owed by the runaway slave with an “I owe you” to Philemon, he turned the “I owe you” into a “You owe me.”  This is just a friendly reminder of Paul’s role in Philemon’s life and faith and instead of insisting that he forgive Onesimus, he was encouraging him to act with love and forgiveness.  Encouraging someone and pushing them along in their faith is much more effective than trying to make them do what you think they ought to do. This is a good lesson from Paul in gentle prodding and nudging people in the right direction.  Those of us with adult children should probably take this lesson from Paul and try to incorporate it instead of demanding compliance.