Making Things Right–Philemon

It is great to do “the right thing”, but sometimes it is not easy, and the cost can be high, and it can be easier to just let things slide. Understanding what is the right thing in God’s sight may not be accepted by others or very popular.  

Even with a different culture and the passing of time, there is so much that we can learn through the Book of Philemon about how God taps us on the shoulder to listen and “do the right thing.”  

The Backstory

Philemon was a visible and wealthy Christian and a member of the brand new church in Colossae. He had opened his home as a meeting place for the church. Paul commends his good character: “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”  Philemon 4-7 (NIV)

Philemon had a good reputation and was commended in this letter as someone who blessed others in many ways.  

Onesimus as a slave, a young man and a fugitive. He had been a slave in Philemon’s household and had run away with stolen goods. He left and went to Rome. Under Roman law, Onesimus’ actions were punishable by death.  

Somehow, Onesimus met Paul in Rome and became a Christian. Onesimus served and helped Paul in Rome while Paul was under house arrest awaiting trial. Once Paul knew Onesimus’ story, Paul began to pave the way for Onesimus to go back to Colossae and make things right with Philemon.  

Doing The Right Thing

Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus with the same welcome that he would give Paul himself.  If Onesimus owed anything, Philemon was to charge it to Paul’s account and Paul would pay it. “That I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains…If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” Philemon 10,18 (NIV)

Paul seemed confident Philemon would show mercy toward Onesimus. The right thing was for Onesimus to go back to Colossae and for Philemon to forgive.  

Doing the right thing is not always easy, it can be costly and risky. But there will be times when God positions His people and prompts us to take that step toward someone we have wronged or who has wronged us.  

A Step of Faith

Paul wrote these words: 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

The main message of Philemon is reconciliation and unity. Unity among followers of Jesus is so very important. We are called to one Lord, with faith and hope in Him, and we are to be reconciled to God, and reconciled to each other.  

God calls us to mercy. Mercy is defined as–Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.  

Mercy is a gift of grace, freely given by God to us. Mercy is related to forgiveness.  We forgive others because we have been forgiven. Mercy or forgiveness is far more than withholding harm or punishment. It is love in action, a love with no boundaries, going one step further as guided by the Holy Spirit.  

It is on this basis that Paul makes his plea to Philemon for Onesimus–to forgive, to show mercy, to be reconciled and united, as brothers in Jesus Christ.  

A Prayer For You

Lord, I want a new revelation of how much You love me. Help me to realize Your forgiveness and mercy once again. Restore and renew me so that I can walk in your love and be Your witness where you have placed me. Help me to do the right thing in Your sight. Amen.