Introduction:
The book of Philemon does not get a lot of attention, so let me give you some background. Paul is writing a letter on behalf of a man named Onesimus. He was once Philemon’s slave but ran away. Paul became a father figure to Onesimus and he gave his life to Jesus Christ. While Paul was imprisoned, he sent Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter.
Philemon 1:15-17
“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother – especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”
Think about it:
In this letter, I believe we get a beautiful picture of what it means to be brothers in Christ. Onesimus is going back to his old master to apologize for running away. Not to be a slave again, but to partner in the gospel with Philemon, who is also a believer. In the grand scheme of the Kingdom, we are all in the same position-sons and daughters of God. When that is embodied, we no longer see ourselves as more valuable or better than another. Loving one another becomes almost second nature and skin color, ethnicity, language, and income mean nothing for how we treat others. This is a beautiful story of reconciliation and a new partnership in the Kingdom of God.
Take away:
When Christ sets you free, you seek to free others.
Personal reflection:
When you look around at the other believers, do you naturally judge them by ethnicity, or income, or personality? Or do you see them simply as brothers and sisters in Christ with the same mission as you?