The letter to Philemon is much more than a personal letter from Paul to his friend about the runaway named Onesimus. It is a message from God to each one of us. It is a message about what God expects to see in the lives of those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.
The Lord expects to see His children:
• refreshing others (v.7, 20) – we can be a refreshing joy or an exhausting drain on others…being helpful and considerate of the needs and feelings of others will go a long way.
• embracing divine commands in the spirit of love (v.8-9, 14) – Paul did not want Philemon to engage in the right action with the wrong heart.
• remaining open to the providence of God (v.15) – perhaps this was God’s plan all along!
• treating others with respect as equals (v.12, 17) – the disciple of Jesus will see all people as precious souls created in the image of God.
• willing to forgive when they have been wronged (v.18) – to be willing to pay the debt that someone else owes requires a great deal of love and compassion.
• finding joy in reconciliation (v.20) – Paul would find blessed peace upon hearing that Philemon and Onesimus had reconciled.
• going above and beyond what is required or expected (v.21) – a disciple of Jesus does not ask about the minimum requirements.
• praying (v.22) – pray for a visit and keep the guest room prepared!
Paul expected to find these qualities in Philemon because he was a follower of Christ. God expects to find these characteristics in us. Will He find such faith in us?
