On the Basis of Love

|PIC1|The letter of Paul to Philemon is beautiful and touching, it is so different from his other letters. Whilst letters such as Roman and Galatians show his heart of fire and passion for the Gospel, Philemon, shows the softer and warmer side of Paul.

V9 Paul-an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ

Nowhere else does Paul declare his age. Paul felt old, this is not something he had admitted before in his letters. This humanistic side of Paul - it existed. This great and mighty Apostle - he felt old.

This is a letter to Philemon - a member of the Church in Asia Minor. It is not to another Apostle, or to an official or person of power. Philemon is a follower of Paul. Understanding this situation requires us to realise that in his request to Philemon, Paul could easily have ordered Philemon to do what he wished. For the sake of the Gospel, Philemon would have obeyed.

However Paul appeals on a different level - he appeals on the Basis of Love. He lays down his authority and asks out of Love. Have you ever needed someone's help urgently? Have you ever been so anxious about your own worries that you lose your temper with someone?

How easy is it to shout and command someone when you want something from them?

The heart of Paul in this letter is so touching. He doesn't command, but lays it down:

V12 I am sending him - who is my heart - back to you

Onesimus the runaway slave of Philemon - Paul loved him. This slave who had wronged his master - Paul was sending him back.

The law against slaves was strict. To return to your master after running away is dangerous. You were formerly his property, and you ran away. He has the power to exact revenge. It would have felt justified in Philemon's position to hold a grudge against Onesimus.

Have you ever felt you have been wronged? Have you ever been annoyed with someone?

V18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me

Paul is asking Philemon to forgive and charge it to him. Paul is taking the blame away from Philemon and placing it on himself. Paul is asking Onesimus to follow his example and welcome this slave - this one who had wronged him - to welcome him as a brother.

Not on the basis of authority or the basis of power, but on the basis of Love.

V 17-21 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have 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 ask.

Wouldn't it be so beautiful if we could reveal this love in our lives too? Remember the example of Paul - How would Paul have welcomed us?

Remember first how much you have recieved and you can give. Remember how you have wronged others then you will not feel wronged and remember how much you are loved, then you can love.

I am confident that we are the ones that can reveal this great Grace and Love of God!