Reading: Philemon

Philemon 1:15 – “Maybe… Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever.”

Today we turn to Paul’s letter to Philemon. He is appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul walks the fine line between coercion and appeal, at least twice crossing this line. Paul writes this letter not just to Philemon but also to the church that Philemon is a part of. What Paul asks of Philemon extends to the whole community of faith.

As I read this story today my mind went to the parable of the prodigal son. It also reminds me of estrangements that I’ve heard of in families I know well. We’re familiar with and maybe even have been involved in stories of separation, in experiences where one party somehow hurt or offended the other, making reconciliation difficult. In the story of the prodigal son we see how grace and love overcome the harm done to welcome the younger son back into the family. We are left hanging concerning the younger son’s estrangement from the older brother. We hope that they are reconciled. In situations we’ve experienced (or are still experiencing), love and grace are the keys to reconciliation.

Just as the younger brother and perhaps that family member or friend changed for the better to open the door for reconciling, so too has Onesimus changed. As a brother in Christ he has become useful to Paul. To Philemon he writes, “Maybe… Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever.” Maybe the younger son had to experience the bottom of the pit to change. Maybe that estranged family member or friend had to experience something really hard to be changed. When change occurs, though, the ball is in our court. We hope that Philemon received Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. May we too be people of grace and love.

Prayer: Lord God, reconciliation is not easy. At times we are deeply wronged. Perhaps we’ve also suffered financially or physically. When the hurt and pain are deep, Lord, may your love and grace be deeper still. Through these, heal the hurt and pain in our hearts. Lead us then to be as you are, generous and abundant in our love and grace. Amen.