PROFILES —-
ONESIMUS
RECONCILED
Onesimus, a runaway slave, became a new man when he became a follower of Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, his owner, Philemon, also came to trust in Christ and become a new person. Did this change their relationship at all? When Onesimus was ready to return, the apostle Paul stepped in, writing a letter to Philemon with a loud yes!
The gospel changes relationships and overrides any earthly way we have of seeing one another. Paul wrote to Philemon, “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother. . . . Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord” (Philemon 1:15-16). God changes relationships, no matter how bleak they may have been in the past, by making us new through Him. In Christ, master and slave become equally beloved brothers.
THINK & PRAY
IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES?
It’s not just theory when God says He changes people’s hearts and makes us love like Him, forgive like Him, and reconcile relationships like Him—like Christ perfectly exemplified for us. That really happens, and when it does (through God’s supernatural work), it displays His love in a world full of broken systems, societies, families, and relationships.
If Philemon and Onesimus, a slave owner and his slave, could be reconciled as brothers in God’s family, what does that mean for us and the ways God can empower us to love the people in our lives and repair our damaged relationships?
What has separated you from other people? Harsh words? Abuse? Prejudice? Envy? These things are real parts of our past and our present. But how can you apply the words of the letter to Philemon to your life? Who can you be willing to see in a new light because of what God has done for you?
He makes enemies into friends, sons, and daughters. He wants to repair broken relationships through His people and His love. Let’s be open to being humble agents of reconciliation.