Verses 8 and 9 of this letter display the type of leadership that Paul sought to exemplify in his life. He wanted to lead others to choose to do right, making the sacrifices that would please and honor God. Throughout the history of the church some of the most notable leaders chose what Paul rejected; command. God laid out the first commandment to Adam and then Eve; don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He accompanied the commandment with an explanation of the consequences that awaited the rejection of this commandment. But he allowed a choice. Likewise Paul allowed Philemon a choice; to help Paul’s work or to hinder it. It appears that Paul is explaining that Onesimus’ freedom, or the forgiveness of his indebtedness, is the key. Weren’t we all indebted to God because of our sins? Didn’t God set us completely free of that debt through Christ’s sacrifice? Didn’t Jesus give us the commandment to forgive as we have been forgiven? Did he limit that forgiveness to personal offenses of others? These verses are a good reminder to me of how I should interact with others; displaying Christian love as the primary motive for any request I may wish to see advanced.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this letter of Paul.
Stuart
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