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Yes, brother, 
may I benefit from you in the Lord; 
refresh my heart in Christ.
Philemon 1:20 CSB
Paul was getting nothing from this. If anything he was losing the benefit of having Onesimus help him while he is in prison.
He has a bigger Kingdom view. He's not territorial or wanting to keep things or people but is happy to rejoice whenever Jesus Kingdom is advanced.
And how is that happening here?
Paul is anticipating a slave owner welcoming his runaway slave back as a brother.
He is anticipating Philomen's heart change being lived out in a way that will cost him financially and socially.
Because the Kingdom we are part of is the Kingdom of the heart.
And we should celebrate the taking of ground in the hearts of others (even if it doesn't benefit us, it might even cost).
Paul is an old man in prison writing a letter he hopes will be delivered to someone he hopes will change.
He is hope full.
He knows Philomen, and can see the next heart step for him, and is full of hope that he will take it (& more).
Who can you and I encourage in their heart journey with God this week?
Be hope filled. It's real. 
Change is possible.
#hopeisreal
#changeispossible

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