For Thursday, July 29, 2021
Philemon 1:10a NLT, Paul writing to Philemon: “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus.”
Onesimus was once a troublemaker for the believers, but now he has changed his ways. Paul witnessed the radical transformation in Onesimus’ life, and he’s encouraging the church to welcome him back. Paul wants the believers to forgive whatever went wrong, and to offer hope. “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.”
My church does a lot of work with people in recovery, and a similar situation is fairly common. Someone once considered worthless repents and returns, and is now elevated to a position of trust. Our job us to teach, encourage, be willing to forgive and to offer hope to those who seek the Lord.
Paul says to “welcome him as you would welcome me.”
Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406
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