CONNECTING POINT: A Concise Lesson of Forgiving

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people,” Paul says to Philemon in his shortest letter of all. He was under house arrest, and somehow, he and Onesimus crossed paths. We gain three lessons.

Onesimus, whom Paul had learned had escaped as a slave of Philemon’s, whom Paul knew well and trusted. Paul knew him from Colossae, well enough to call him a friend.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, (Philemon) because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray...