I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.

Philemon 1:10-12 NLT

Ah so now we get to the heart of Paul's letter, and a play on words - the name Onesimus means "useful"!

Onesimus is a runaway slave, who somehow met Paul (in prison) and has become a follower of Jesus, what we would call a Christian.

We've already learned that Philemon is a person of faith, kindness and love for others. 

But what Paul is asking will have a financial cost, and a social cost. Those in his community will be expecting a runway slave to be punished, Philemon literally holds Onesimus's life in his hands.

What will Philemon's friends, business associates, family, even those in the Church that meets in his house say? 

How will they see him if he welcomes in someone who should be outcast? 

If he welcomes in someone who should be punished?

Who is it in our culture who might fit that description?

And this is a picture of God's grace to me, and to you. We are welcomed in even though we may have run away, deserve punishment, don't think we belong.

Jesus says I dealt with the punishment, I don't care what others think of me, my arms are open.

You are dearly loved.

#philemon

#aroha

#welcomehome