"You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart....If you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me."
Philemon 12b, 17
I can imagine the scene: Onesimus is kneeling at Philemon's feet asking for forgiveness from his master. Philemon's initial response is anger at the betrayal by his servant. Then he reads the letter from Paul pleading from his heart on behalf of Onesimus, and he relents and in grace accepts Onesimus back as a part of the household. It is difficult for us humans to forgive and receive back someone who has violated our trust and broken our confidence, whether in business, in marriage, or in the church. How can it be possible? By remembering another scene: a sinner on his knees in fear and repentance before an angry God. The sinner deserves judgment, but Jesus is pleading for the repentant one. On account of what Jesus did in His sacrifice, God extends grace and receives the sinner as though he had never sinned. That is the heart of God. Oh, what wonderful grace! God calls us to that same attitude when people who have offended us come in repentance. "Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32; also Colossians 3:13, and II Corinthians 2:7-11).
Today's Thought: We can forgive because we are forgiven.
Have a forgiving day. Love you.
Philemon 12b, 17
I can imagine the scene: Onesimus is kneeling at Philemon's feet asking for forgiveness from his master. Philemon's initial response is anger at the betrayal by his servant. Then he reads the letter from Paul pleading from his heart on behalf of Onesimus, and he relents and in grace accepts Onesimus back as a part of the household. It is difficult for us humans to forgive and receive back someone who has violated our trust and broken our confidence, whether in business, in marriage, or in the church. How can it be possible? By remembering another scene: a sinner on his knees in fear and repentance before an angry God. The sinner deserves judgment, but Jesus is pleading for the repentant one. On account of what Jesus did in His sacrifice, God extends grace and receives the sinner as though he had never sinned. That is the heart of God. Oh, what wonderful grace! God calls us to that same attitude when people who have offended us come in repentance. "Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32; also Colossians 3:13, and II Corinthians 2:7-11).
Today's Thought: We can forgive because we are forgiven.
Have a forgiving day. Love you.
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