PHILEMON:

Paul writes a brief letter to ask Philemon, a Christian brother living (probably) in Colosse, to forgive and to take back Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian and is helping Paul in prison. As you read this book, be willing to forgive othersno matter what they do to you. Philemon is a very short book in the Bible. A book I have never read myself, until now.

Philemon 1:1-25 > Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia oir sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer: I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus amd your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love have given me joy and encouragement, because you, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of lovem I then, as Paul – an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus – I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in, chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you. I would have liked to keep hi, with me so that he could take your place in helpi g me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done any thing wrong or owes you anything, change it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back – not mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ, Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aritarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sweetheart: “Let Me Call you Sweetheart – I can’t remember your name.” The pi., almost as nig as a saucer, was worn by a middle aged woman without doubt, an extrovert. We were at a sate PTA convention, encouraging many unfamiliar faces. The pin seemed to be her humorous way of saying, “Let’s be friends for today, but I’m not even going to attempt to remember your name.” We have many temporary relationships: those besides us on the plane or even a laundromat, the people who camp next ot us at a resort, and the neighbors who move in and out with such rapidity. It’s up to us to decide if these contracts will be meaning less or significant. Ask God, “What would you like to say to this person through me?” You may be surprised. He may ask you to speak words of appreciation and encouragement, to witness anout Christ, or only to be friendly. When we look a person in the eye and ask about their lives, we show that they are valuable. And even if we never do learn the person’s name, we have been a channel through which God can reach him or her. That is both exciting and humbling.