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I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND:
I WILL REPAY IT.
AND I WON'T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!
Philemon 1:19 NLT
Yes in the NLT they have this verse in CAPS!
I used to wonder if this verse was Paul being manipulative, using his friendship with Philemon, using his spiritual authority to pressure Philemon into doing what he wants. 
However, it's possible, likely, that Onesimus, the  slave of, the property of Philemon has carried this letter and given it to Philemon, and it really is a matter of life and desth for Philemon. Paul is using EVERYTHING that he has to save Philemon.
Becuase that's what love does. 
Onesimus is not a burden, he is a person who is loved.
And Paul is spiritually and morally and relationally standing with Onesimus. Paul is aligned, associated with, connected to, giving his power to Onesimus (the one without power), and is connected to whatever decision Philemon makes.
Just like Jesus stands with us, aligns himself with the powerless, connects himself to us, and is connected to whatever the actions of others are towards us. 
We're not alone.
Even tho Onesimus may have felt alone, Paul was with him.
Jesus is with you.
Not a burden, Beloved. 
And Jesus calls us, invites us, to simply follow him, to love others like this, to stand with, connect to, the powerless.
#Philemon 
#youareBeloved
#lovepeople

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