Paul’s Letter to Philemon💌

Paul really had a way with his words. The intent behind them were even more admirable. In the intro, you see Paul kind of preface the letter to Philemon with praise and compliments before asking a favor from him. Kind of like how we butter someone up before asking them for something. Not saying that was his intent but it puts me in the mind of that. He addresses him as a dear friend and fellow worker, acknowledging his church and good works that he’s accomplished in the name of Christ & the Lord. He even mentions how he always thanks the Lord in his prayers for him. What a way to open before making a request. I believe he lead with all of this because he knew the request he was going to make may have been a tough one to ask of, for anyone. FORGIVE someone who wronged you?! FORGIVE someone who stole from me and ran off?! That sounds crazy right? That’s a difficult task. Especially for Philemon, seeing that in those days, Onesimus would have been rightfully put to death for his actions. The lord showed mercy though, spared his life and allowed him to go to prison which is where he was basically adopted as a son by Paul. Paul so cleverly adds that Perhaps the reason he was separated from him for a little while was so that he could have him back forever, no longer as a slave but as a brother. He even offers to pay his debts if he did. With that being said, knowing how difficult of a request this would’ve been to Philemon, Paul has to remind him that 1. They are part of the same body committed to serving the Lord and fulfilling the Great Commission & 2. Onesimus is his brother in Christ. He even says “welcome him as you would welcome me”. Talk about turning the other cheek! Something that stood out to me personally was Paul’s tone. Ima firm believer that TONE & DELIVERY is everything. Paul’s tone was sincere and urgent but he didn’t use his authority as an apostle to force Philemon to do what's right. Instead, he invites Philemon to choose what's right on his own because he wanted him to do it from a genuine place and didn’t want him to feel forced. We must learn from that, because sometimes our pride takes over and we take advantage of our own authority in our own lives and positions with others. If you want a request to be granted, you must first come respectfully and in love. Sorta like how kids put on their “sweet voice” before asking for a snack. Not to that extent though lol…Anyways, this story made me reflect on my own self. I’m naturally a forgiving person but it made me really dig deep. Have I forgiven those who have wronged me? Have you? Or do you still hold on to hurt and resentment? Have you ever done anything that was unforgivable but was forgiven anyways? If the answer is yes then that means that whoever has wronged you is worthy of forgiveness and grace. In Matthew 5:44-45 Christ says “Pray for your enemies & pray for those who persecute you so that you may be children of your father in Heaven.” If you consider yourself to be a child of God then pray that the lord may soften your heart and allow forgiveness and grace to take over where resentment and grudges once lived. It’s freeing to harbor no guilt. Share the love of Christ with anyone who’s willing to listen. Shalom.🫶🏾 #christiangirl #christian #christianwoman #love #forgiveness #GRACE #christ #jesus #bible #biblestudy

SN: I’ve challenged myself to read the shortest books in the Bible this week & to take a notes. In order it’s

Third John(219 words)

Second John (245 words)

Philemon (335 words)

Obadiah (440 words)

Jude (461 words)

All I have left to read is Jude. Then I’ll finish my notes. 🫶🏾