via TJC
Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. Philemon 1:15-16
Today we dig deeper into the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus and how it can help us form deeper relationships. Given their history as master and slave, and an escaped slave at that, there is high probability that tensions were high between the two men. Both could have held massive grudges against one another due to past interactions and they needed to find a path to brotherhood. Only through Christ could that be possible and Paul knew it.
This same dynamic is in play for our lives as well. We need to act as though we are separated from our actions from before we accepted Christ and walk a new path in a new life. Old grudges need to pass away as forgiveness becomes our default. No clearer is this for me than in my marriage. I know that we cannot function as one body, one soul without being reconciled and at peace with each other and that means constantly forgiving and communicating with each other to not cause petty strife. We both value each other as companions, not slaves, in the work of raising our family and building our community.
Daily Battle Order:
Today, think about any grudges you have with the people around you. Give any old hurt over to God and be free of its burden so you can interact with that person with love and mercy.
Comments