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I appeal to you...for my son, Onesimus.
I became his father while I was in chains. 
...I am sending him back to you - I am sending my very own heart.  
...So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me.
Philemon 1:9-10, 12, 17 CSB
Onesimus may well have carried this letter from Paul to his owner, Philemon. I hope Onesimus got to hear it when it was read, because if he did he would hear of the love Paul has for him, that Paul did not care about his status as a slave, any shame that attached to him, Paul was happy to take on. 
Onesimus would hear that Paul chose him. 
That Paul loves him.
That Paul gave him all the rights of being his son.
That Paul, even though he's currently in jail, stands with Onesimus. 
No matter what.
And this is what God's love letter to us says:
I choose you.
I love you.
I give you all the rights of being my son.
All the shame that you carry I'll take now.
I'll stand with you, no matter what.
#dearlyloved
#childrenofGod

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