PHILEMON 6 (NIV) - “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ Jesus.”

In this very personal letter to a Christian brother in the Colossian Church, Paul writes from a Roman prison asking for acceptance and forgiveness for Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus.

As Paul reminds Philemon of his Christian love and duty to find Onesimus “useful” as a new convert and brother in the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul is also speaking to us about our own commitment to love and forgive one another. An “effective faith” is a sharing faith that includes all of that which Christ has done in a believer’s life. Our faith will help us do no less.

Paul mentored Philemon in his early Christian walk and therefore felt able to “command” his forgiveness and acceptance. However, knowing the heart of one so committed, Paul appeals to Philemon’s faith and joy in welcoming back a new brother in Christ. Our Lord’s expectation for each of us is truly the same.

Submitted by: Bob Neely