July 5, 2009 - Accepted As Beloved

Meditation on Philemon

This great letter by Paul has a lot to teach us about relationship. Today as we talk about accepting one another in the local church which is composed of people of diverse cultures and background, we must learn from these heart-felt words to Philemon, a slave owner.

Apparently, Onesimus was a run-away slave who met Paul and became a Christian, Paul then sent him back to his owner, Philemon who was also converted by Paul. In those days under the rule of the Roman Empire, the owner of the slave had the right to kill a slave who ran away. Now Paul asked Philemon not only took Onesimus back, but also accepted him as a beloved brother in the Lord. What an example of forgiveness and reconciliation Philemon had to demonstrate as a Christian in his house which was also a church.

This letter is full of emotion and statements about the heart. Paul emphasized the love between Christians in the Lord. How we need to accept one another in the household of God regardless of the great differences existed among one another. For Christ through the cross has torn down the barrier and hatred between races and from the wrongful treatment between one another.

We can accept one another as beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.