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I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.
Philemon 1:13-15 NLT
What Paul is asking of Philemon is going to challenge the way he has been brought up, challenge his standing in the community, the way others see him, and he's taking a massive risk, literally with Onesimus' life.
Paul wants Philemon to see Onesimus as he sees him, not the way Philemon may have seen him in the past, not the way his culture saw him. 
And as a result of that change of heart, Paul wants Philemon to use his power with grace. 
Philomen has the power & the legal right to punish Onesimus.
And suddenly this picture emerges of our Just and Holy God who has every right to punish, but instead exercises Grace, and welcomes us in as returning runaways. 
Just as Paul is making a way here for Onesimus, so God saw our plight and made a way, and that way is Jesus. 
Why is Paul going to all this effort for Onesimus?
Because he loves him.
Jesus became the way for us because he loves us, He thinks we're worth it!
#philemon
#aroha
#lovewins


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