BE TRUE TO YOURSELF......AND OTHERS

PHILEMON

     Paul is writing to Philemon requesting freedom and forgiveness for Onesimus.  Whether his slave or indebted servant to Philemon, I am not sure.  But, Onesimus had run away with property belonging to Philemon.  Not only did Paul ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus, he also wanted him to think of him and treat him as he would Paul,  a brother in Christ.

     Onesimus must be true to himself.  Make things right with Philemon (now a brother in Christ), repay his debt and steal no more.

     Philemon must be true to himself.  Forgive Onesimus and treat him as a brother in Christ.

     Paul must not keep what does not belong to him.  Being imprisoned far away in Rome, he easily could have kept Onesimus there to be his servant.

     By sending Onesimus back, all three had opportunity to keep their hearts pure before the Lord.  Doing the right thing, being true to our own hearts, impacts the hearts of others.