I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon 1:4-7

The Apostle Paul begins by expressing love and gratitude for his brother Philemon, praying for him every day and being “refreshed” by him. This should be a reminder for all of us, do we pray for our Church daily? Do we pray for our Pastor or Elders? What would others say about you? Would they mention your faith and love in Christ? 

The intent of the Apostle Paul’s letter is to encourage Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, and to forgive what Onesimus did to him, stealing his money and running away. That’s why this is a power Epistle, this is a redemption story , this is the gospel message being played out in real life!

Notice Paul mentions to Philemon, your faith in Christ and love towards all the saints! Hint, hint! As Jesus commanded us “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34) Paul is encouraging Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him as his brother in Christ! This is a lesson all of us could learn from! Did someone wrong you? Forgive because Christ has forgiven us! (Ephesians 4:32)

“That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing,” The Church community of Colossae are well aware of the situation between Philemon and Onesimus. There might be Christians in the community that have a bad view of Onesimus because of what he has done. That’s why , Paul understands how powerful this moment will be, when the Church community witnesses Philemon forgiving and receiving Onesimus as a brother of Christ

Think about your own Church family, is there a brother or sister who has been shunned from the community? Has there been a prodigal that has strayed away from the flock? Imagine the power of Christ, if this person was forgiven and received back into the Church community! Why should we do this? As Paul states “which is in you is in Christ Jesus” Because your identity is in Christ and not yourself, because Christ lives inside you and you are his servants!

“For we have great joy and consolation in your love” What is the Apostle Paul referencing here, Paul is referencing the joy and love the Church will receive from the grace and mercy demonstrated by a leader in the Church, Philemon. “The hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you”! This act of forgiveness and love was contagious to the entire Church, may we be led by the Holy Spirit and do the same!