Apologizing can sometimes be difficult. But what is even more difficult for many of us is making right on our transgressions. When we’ve done something wrong, especially if it involves and has hurt someone else, more than just a simple apology is needed. We have to correct the wrong we’ve done, repair the damage, or pay back what was taken, and that can be a difficult thing to face. Today our Scripture from the Book of Philemon touches on this difficult task. Let’s take a look.
When reading the Book of Philemon, it is important to know the background of this epistle. The Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote this letter. At this time his captivity was more like being under house-arrest than being in a dungeon. Later imprisonment would be in a dungeon with chains. While under house-arrest Paul somehow came to know a young man named Onesimus, who he led to the Lord, and who became a great help to him, perhaps by running errands and such. Onesimus, however, was a runaway servant, who had fled his master after having stolen a great deal of money from him. That master happened to be a wealthy gentleman, Philemon, who was also an elder of the church in Colossae, a church which Paul had started, and the subject of the Book of Colossians. The church of the Colossians met in Philemon’s house, as there were no church buildings until about the 3rd century. Now Philemon’s runaway, thieving servant was with Paul.
Onesimus had now accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior, and was a changed man. He knew that what he had done was wrong, and he and Paul had discussed what he knew he needed to do. Onesimus knew that he had to return to Philemon, and to begin paying back the considerable money he had stolen. However, that didn’t make it easy to do, so Paul sat down and wrote Philemon a letter, urging him, as a Christian brother to Onesimus, to forgive him his transgressions, and welcome him as a fellow believer.
Onesimus was probably afraid to return to Philemon and face the consequences of his wrong actions, yet he made the decision to do the right thing, no matter how difficult, and even fearful it was. No matter how much easier it is, we are not to avoid the difficulties of life, but instead to obey God. We are to follow Him in faith, regardless of the cost.
The name Onesimus means “useful”. Prior to his salvation, Onesimus was not useful. He was useless to Philemon, and a thief of a lot of his money. His salvation, though, was genuine, and Onesimus had become quite useful to Paul. He was now sending him back a changed man. No longer useless, but useful, one who would live up to his name (vs. 11).
Paul desired that Philemon forgive Onesimus, and welcome him back with love, as a brother in the Lord. As a leader and elder of the church in Colossae, Paul expected that of him. He also wanted this personal letter read in the church that met at Philemon’s house (vs. 2). This would hold Philemon accountable, as well as instruct the church on the matter of forgiveness. Paul wanted Philemon’s actions to send a powerful message to the church about the importance of forgiving in love. They were now brothers, and children of the same Father God. As Christians, we should forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:31-32). Are we willing to do that when someone has sinned against us?
How do we treat our fellow Christians? A Christian’s status as a member of God’s family transcends all other distinctions among believers. Do we look down on any fellow believer? Paul did not want to see this happen in any of the churches he had ministered at, and especially now between Philemon and Onesimus. Each believer is equal before Christ (Galatians 3:28).
In closing, this Scripture shows that God can take our sinful mistakes and turn them around for His glory. Onesimus, a once sinful, fugitive, runaway thief had become an immense help to Paul while in Rome. And if allowed by Philemon and the church in Colossae, he could be a productive witness there. God can do the same with each of us. When we do the right thing, no matter how difficult it is, whether seeking forgiveness and restoration, making good on our transgressions, or bestowing that forgiveness, God can use that for the good of His Kingdom.
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