CONNECTING POINT: Reality and Reconciliation

I admit to liking the Book of Philemon, and I think it might be because it is so concise. It is direct that forgiveness is very often a two-way street. Onesimus wronged Philemon, but that is not where the story ends; it is the beginning of something profound. Philemon took Paul’s advice and welcomed Onesimus back with forgiveness on the basis of love; he also freed him from servitude. Numerous resources in church history state that Onesimus went on to become a pastor, and therefore, many other lives were changed as people came to salvation in Christ and were discipled in their faith.

Take noti...