Philemon - The Church Shouldn't Shoot Their Wounded!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Paul's Letter to Philemon

Background on the Letter to Philemon

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary

Philemon was a wealthy slaveowner who also hosted a house church. We know Paul is a brilliant theologian, incredible missionary, but he also had a huge pastor's heart. Onesimus had ended up in prison due to breaking the Law, where he met Paul. When Paul talked about being in prison in other letters, he shared that even though he was in chains, the gospel would never be in chains. He knew even though he was in prison that God would use him. God did this when he lead Onesimus to faith. 

Importantly Paul is very respectful of Philemon, who is leading the church. Paul could have demanded Philemon to take him back, as the chief apostle of the church, but he appealed to Philemon's compassion. Paul gave a character witness for Onemisimus. Like others he led to faith, like Timothy, he considered him as his own son. Paul was so adamant about vouching for Onesimus that he agreed to pay Philemon for any expenses Oneismus incurred. 

Paul made it clear, as the leader of the church, it was Philemon's decision to make. He did not want the decision to be forced upon Philemon, which was for Onesimus' sake too. He was hoping that their reuniting would be an example of forgiveness, grace, and restoration. 

I've heard it said, "The Church shouldn't shoot its wounded." 

The Church should always be a spiritual "weigh station" for those who need rest, restoration, and reconciliation. Just as Jesus did not hold our sins against us, we should not hold the sins of others. This doesn't give them free reign to behave improperly. As they rejoin the body of Christ, they need to keep the same behaviors and norms as the rest of the church.

Do you know of people have either left the church or have been asked to leave who might need someone to reach out to them with grace?

Are you mentoring anyone who is younger and new in the faith? Is someone mentoring you?

Jesus, thank you for other people in our lives who by grace have pulled us back into the family of God. Remind us of the grace you gave us when we were dead in our trespasses. May Your grace lead us to be your grace and mercy to others who need it the most. Amen. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Romans 3 - Alien Righteousness

Romans 3 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary Righteousness Through Faith 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. These are some of the most important verses written by Paul in all of scripture. Paul has shown why no person could hope to be made right with G...
Read more

Revelation 1 - John's Vision of Jesus

  Click Here to Read or Listen to Revelation 1 Today we start reading one of the most exciting, enigmatic, and complicated books of the bible. The Revelation of Jesus to Saint John on the island of Patmos. I have read this gospel and written about it several times, and I still feel like there is so much of it I don't understand. As with any book of the bible, the context of when it was written and to who is of paramount importance.  Here are some background links from notable commentaries on the book of Revelation. It would be really helpful if you read them before we start reading through John's letter. Actually you might not think, but the Wikipedia link is very helpful and well written too.  Insight for Living Commentary Got Questions Overview Wikipedia One of the challenges we will face as we go through this book together is that on one hand this book is written to the seven churches in Asia who are facing persecution. And, it is also a "revelation" or an unveilin...
Read more

Matthew 18:6-9 Causing to Stumble

Causing to Stumble 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Reflection: Matthew reminds us today that we don't live only unto ourselves. Our actions have repercussions on others either directly or indirectly. This is especially true for children and youth, who are impressionable. I still remember when I was...
Read more