Thursday 12 November 2009

Background

This short letter presents us with one of the greatest examplesof redemption and reconciliation in the Bible.

The generally accepted view is that Onesimus (verse 10) wasPhilemon's slave, who had apparently stolen from him and run away,but became a Christian believer and a great helper to Paul (theauthor of the letter). We read that Paul is sending Onesimus backto face his aggrieved master, and strives to effect reconciliationbetween these two Christians, even offering to repay Onesimus'debt. Philemon had been greatly wronged but is called upon toforgive Onesimus; but not just forgive him and take him back as aslave, but to welcome him back as he would welcome Paul, a belovedbrother in Christ. We don't know how either Onesimus or Philemonfelt about this but it presents us with an opportunity to examineour own reactions to being betrayed and hurt.

Philemon had no problem loving fellow Christians - "the saints" -but the true test of his faith would come when he was required tolove Onesimus with the same degree of love. And so it is with us.The test of our faith is our ability to love others as Jesus lovesthem, unconditionally, unreservedly, wholeheartedly. Being wrongedby others is an unfortunate fact of life but when we forgive, asJesus did, then we are truly living out the gospel (the good newsof Jesus). We can never experience the fullness of God'sforgiveness until we practise it.

But all this is easier said than done. When we have been badly hurtby someone it is hard to forgive, and we sometimes harbourresentment or even thoughts of revenge, or maybe we hold a grudgeagainst that person. But by nursing these thoughts we are nothurting the person who wronged us, but ourselves. It may be usefulin these circumstances to remember some of Jesus' words onforgiveness: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do notjudge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will notbe condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it willbe given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together,running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you givewill be the measure you get." (Luke 6:36-38)

Let's pray today for God to refresh our hearts.

To Ponder

Is there anyone who you need to forgive andwelcome back into your life? If there is, then why not ask God tohelp you make the first move.

What do you think Paul meant when he said"Refresh my heart in Christ"?