Daily Devotional for October 12, 2015
Philemon
Scripture:
13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.
14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced.
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good–
16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Observation:
The story in Philemon is an incredible challenge for many of us, including myself. At one time, Onesimus was a slave who ran away from Philemon. Eventually, through contact with Paul, Onesimus found Christ and was heading back to make things right with Philemon. Paul is writing to Philemon to encourage him to not only forgive Onesimus and reinstitute him as a slave, but to go one step further and embrace him as a brother.
I have realized over time that I have the ability to write off a person who has done something wrong to me or someone I love. For the record, I am not saying this is right, I am simply saying it’s easy for me to move on and never look back no matter how close we once were. The story of Philemon and the example of Jesus is encouraging us to embrace forgiveness through every relationship in life. Just as I have learned how easy it is to turn my back, I have also learned that’s not how a Spirit-Empowered Man responds. We can strive for unity by allowing the presence of Christ to bring healing through forgiveness into every situation. Does forgiveness need to happen in a relationship in your life? Don’t wait any longer, ask God for the courage to pursue forgiveness in your life.
Application:
- Personal Application: Whether you need forgiveness or you need to offer forgiveness to someone else, it is important to remember that we have all made mistakes and we all have needed forgiveness at some point in our lives. Let forgiveness be the governing rule in all situations that require it.
- Family Devotional: Read the book of Philemon to your family. Remind them that family contains the most important relationships of your life. Remind them to forgive one another just as Christ forgave us. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the courage to seek forgiveness and offer forgiveness when needed.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will embrace forgiveness, in times when it must be given and in times when it must be received.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, October 11 – Sunday, October 18:
- Sunday, October 11: Colossians 4
- Monday, October 12: Philemon
- Tuesday, October 13: Jeremiah 1
- Wednesday, October 14: Jeremiah 2
- Thursday, October 15: Jeremiah 3
- Friday, October 16: Jeremiah 4
- Saturday, October 17: Jeremiah 5
- Sunday, October 18: Jeremiah 6
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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