Bible Study May 14, 2024
Philemon 1:15 – 18 (ESV)
15 “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant[c] 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. 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.”
We are all called to forgive but it is difficult to do; we would much more like justice than mercy. Paul asks Philemon for forgiveness to Onesimus, his slave who stole from him and ran away.
It was the custom of the day to deal with slaves who stole and ran away harshly but Pual interceded on the slaves behalf. Paul is asking for him to be received as a “beloved brother” rather than a runaway slave.
Forgiveness is the way of the believer not of the way of the world. People will wrong us, then we have a decision to make. It happens to all of us. In the case of Onesimus Philemon listened to his confession and forgave him. It is a good lesson for all of us. When we forgive we grow in the grace of God.
Is forgiveness the same as forgetting, the answer is no. Some things we need to remember so they do not happen again but we are called to forgive not forget. Is there someone or something that needs to be forgiven in your life? Make that quality decision to act right now, do not wait any longer.
“The only thing harder than forgiveness is the alternative.” Phillip Yancey.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 