Daily Devotional – Friday, April 12, 2024
Receive him as you would me.
Philemon 1:17 (NKJV)
Would you forgive him? Philemon is a prominent church leader who also owns slaves. One of these slaves, Onesimus, steals from his master and escapes. The deserter eventually meets Paul and, like Philemon, becomes a Christian. The power of the gospel overwhelms Onesimus, and he decides to return to his master and own up to his mistake.
Undeserving of Forgiveness
Philemon has the right to punish Onesimus. Paul knows this well. Therefore, he writes a letter to Philemon and has the repentant slave deliver it. You can imagine the moment the trembling Onesimus arrives home and hands the letter to his master! Will the rebellious slave find mercy?
The letter is brief, but it has a clear message: “Receive him.” (Philemon 1:17). Would you receive the wayward man if you were in Philemon’s shoes? Paul appeals to the Christian virtues Philemon has come to espouse. He wants Philemon to forgive Onesimus and treat him as a Christian brother, not just as a slave.
Would You Forgive him?
Forgiving a person does not mean we pretend they never wronged us. We pardon those who offend us because God commands us to do so, and it is the right thing to do. For Christians, forgiveness is an expression of God’s love, and its fruit is reconciliation and peace among the children of God.
Will you swallow your pride today and receive and forgive a person who, humanly speaking, does not deserve mercy? That is what Christianity is all about, considering Philemon takes on the role of God while Onesimus symbolizes us, vile sinners who deserve death.
Prayer
Almighty Father, just as you forgave and continue to forgive me, help me to pardon those who wronged us.
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