# 9 2020 Devotion, Philemon 1. Forgiveness! Read all of chapter 1. The purpose of these devotionals is to be drawn closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Philemon 1:6 “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
Philemon is a short personal letter to what appears to be a leader in the church of Colosse. The letter is about a domestic matter; Onesimus is Philemon’s slave, who stole from him and ran away. In Roman times his crime demanded a death sentence. However, there is a twist in the story, Onesimus has become a follower of Jesus, I assume, through the efforts of Paul and his fellow workers whom Paul mentions in his letter.
Paul is in prison, not house arrest but in a dungeon, literally chained. Yet, it seems he is allowed visitors and is able to write letters. Paul petitions Philemon to forgive Onesimus who has now become Paul’s son. Before Paul makes his requests he starts with thanksgiving and prayer, he thanks God for Philemon and for his work on behalf of the brothers and sisters of the faith, he is encouraged; “because brother, you have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
Paul writes a personal and intimate letter as if writing to a close family member and is, as should be, among real followers of Jesus, there is to be joy and excitement for the faith. Paul emphasizes his partnership in the faith with Philemon and that partnership “may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” This should be how we do church: celebrating God’s good gifts to us as a community of which forgiveness is the greatest of gifts. First, forgiveness in Christ is what makes us brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Second, God’s forgiveness demands we forgive each other, even if we are not asked to forgive and even if the person does not know you forgave him or her. Third, forgiveness is for ourselves, for our own peace of mind and our own well being. Forgive because God forgives us! Amen
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