PHILEMON 1:8–16
I visited Jane, a former prisoner reintegrating into society. My life was different from hers. She was fresh out of jail, struggling with addictions, and separated from her son.
Onesimus, like Jane, was aware of what it meant to be on the periphery of society. He was a slave who was incarcerated for wronging his Christian master, Philemon. He encountered Paul there and accepted Christ as his Saviour (v. 10). Onesimus was a changed man, yet he remained a slave. In a letter, Paul begged Philemon to accept Onesimus not as a slave, but better than a slave—as a dear brother—and sent him back to Philemon (Philemon 1:16).
Philemon had a choice to treat Onesimus as his slave or welcome him as a brother in Christ. I had to decide whether to view Jane as an ex-convict and recovering addict or a woman whose life is being changed by Christ’s power.
It is easy to let barriers like our class, socioeconomic background, or culture keep us apart. These obstacles can be removed by the gospel of Christ.
🙏Thank You, God, that the good news of Jesus Christ transforms people’s lives and relationships. We are grateful that You have taken down the walls dividing us and accepted us all into Your family.
📷: stevanovicigor
