Philemon – while a short book – is a book that should catch our attention. The book is a letter written by Paul to Philemon, a man who we understand to be rich and important, then who becomes a Christian, and Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus.
The slave Onesimus stole money from Philemon, then ran away. Somehow, though, Onesimus ends up in Rome where he meets Paul and is born again. Paul wanted Onesimus to do what was right – to follow through on his responsibility. He sent the runaway slave back to his master…but not empty-handed. Paul’s letter to Philemon has a big ask in it. He asks Philemon not just to accept Onesimus back from having run away, but to welcome him back as a brother – a fellow child of God.
I’m guessing the consequences for a runaway slave, once caught, were quite severe – possibly as severe as death for the slave. But Paul asks Philemon to take him in, welcome him, and treat him as a FRIEND and BROTHER. I’m trying to imagine how this must have felt to a rich and powerful person in Philemon’s social standing. Not only to let the runaway slave go unpunished – but to also treat him as an equal or better. This could not have been an easy thing for Philemon to contemplate.
Paul asked Philemon to go against the social norms, to put his faith above his status, and to demonstrate the character of God in a way that was costly to himself. Only God’s love and grace can overcome the barriers put in place between fellow humans by fellow humans.
What I really love is that Paul didn’t really even give Philemon an option.
“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. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.” (vs. 17-22)
Paul lets Philemon know what the right thing to do is. He is gracious about it, and even encouraging – but he is clear.
Let your prayer today be that you deal with your fellow believers in this same way. Reach out in love – ask the “big asks” when necessary. Encourage the right way, even when it is not the norm. And be an advocate for those who need it.