Every family has one or more members who can’t get on their feet. They have a history of taking advantage of their parents or other family members. When their name is mentioned, people roll their eyes. It is wise to be aware of their tactics, but as Christians, we are called to love like a brother. That means they will always be family.
PHILEMON 1:15-16
“For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”
Past Caught Up with Them
Paul had led Onesimus to the Lord and discipled him. It came out that he was an escaped slave from another believer in Colossae, Philemon. Under Roman law, Onesimus could be put to death by Philemon. Paul writes this letter to persuade Philemon to forgive Onesimus. He appealed to Philemon’s generosity and care for the church. Paul asks him to extend the same to Onesimus and uses the letter to show how God extended grace to everyone, even though they deserved death.
Lay Down Your Rights
It’s hard to lay down your rights when it is well within the boundaries to enact them. As a Christian, you are held to a higher standard of living and expected to treat others, especially other Christians, better than how the world treats people. Philemon was well within his rights to deal with Onesimus within the limits of the law, but Paul begs him to extend grace and be a Godly example in the community.
Love Like a Brother
It is essential to look at fellow Christians as brothers and sisters in Christ. They are family, and due the forgiveness and grace that God extended to you. They may have stumbled and sinned or even purposely wronged you. That doesn’t excuse the hurt they have caused, but if someone has genuinely changed, then you need to accept that and receive them back