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It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.
Philemon 1:15 NLT
"It seems."
Other versions say "perhaps this is why..."
Paul doesn't wrap up Onesimus's actions in spiritual language or equate it to God's will or some kind of divine intervention in Philemon's life. Paul the apostle just says "it seems".
Ordinary. 
Onesimus made a decision to run away, somehow has become a follower of Jesus, met Paul and they're now good friends, and Onesimus is returning, a changed person, and all of these things are just life.
The extraordinary though, is will Philemon allow the love and grace that he has received, the love and grace that he has seen in Paul, the love and grace now evident in Onesimus's life, to permeate his heart and decision making?
Will he be able to break free from his cultural expectations as a boss, slaveowner, wealthy person, and choose to see Onesimus as a fellow image bearer?
Will Philemon choose the consequences, the cost, of loving his returning slave as a brother?
Will Philemon give up his power?
(I wonder where I am caught in cultural expectations or responses that don't reflect the grace and love that I have received? 
Where am I holding onto or using my power?)
#philemon
#ordinarylife
#loveandgrace

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