Philemon

I love this short book of Philemon! In verse 6, Paul prays that we, "may be active in sharing our faith, so that, (we) would have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." I find this true in writing this blog. Thinking I understand something and actually writing it down are two different things. It also helps me remember the things I learn.

Today as I read through Philemon, I was struck by the beautiful picture of Jesus that Paul was demonstrating. First was Paul's ministry of intersession; Scripture says that Jesus lives to make intersession for us. Then in verse 9 is the appeal on the basis of love, and verse 14 our response is to be spontaneous not forced. The appeal is for us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ because Jesus loves them. And if they wrong us, we can trust Jesus to take care of it-not to mention that we owe Jesus our very lives. (verse 19) I have often read this book and put myself in the place of Paul, thinking, this is how I should speak up for others. Today I put myself in the place of Philemon with the thought that this is the way I should respond to believers who may have offended me.