Grace for your spirit
If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. Philemon 17
The Apostle Paul had a big challenge for Philemon. Philemon's slave had stolen from him, and ran away. Later, that slave named Onesimus met Paul in Rome and became a Christian. Paul felt it was right for the runaway slave, now a Christian, to return to his owner and make things right with him. What kind of reception would he receive when he returned? Not as Master to slave, or crook to authority, but now Christian brother to Christian brother. Christian brother to church leader. Forgiveness and acceptance can be a challenge when it is this personal. Paul makes it very personal when he challenged him to accept Onesimus as he would accept the Apostle himself. How about us? Are we willing to accept our worst enemy as we would our best Christian friend and brother? Could we seek their welfare, bear their burdens, and believe the best for them equally? Well, that is exactly what God calls us to do. Let's do it. Our other brothers and sisters are watching.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
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