So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.–Phil 1:17-20 ESV

Warrior;

The book of Philemon is about FORGIVENESS. The whole purpose for this letter that Paul wrote from a Roman prison is found in v10; I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who RAN AWAY and through the PROVIDENCE of GOD – he ran into Paul who led Him to Christ.

Leader, we are never closer to being CHRIST-LIKE as when we FORGIVE! As a slave Onesimus was the property of Philemon, he was an investment and by running away He cost his Master much. Also, Onesimus, most likely stole from Philemon to fund his escape. His actions would subject him to severe punishment, possible death.  However Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter to ask Philemon to FORGIVE him and to accept him back not as his slave, but as a fellow slave of Christ- as a brother, co-heir in Christ!

Conduit, Jesus is very clear: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.(Mat 6:14) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:19-21) You will never be more like CHRIST than when you FORGIVE! Jesus said 7 things on the CROSS and the first thing He said was: Forgive them Father for they know NOT what they do! Be like Jesus and Philemon and FORGIVE!