Restored Relationships

The letter had been written. It was time for him to go home. When he had run away, he had no idea what the future would hold. He certainly hadn't entertained a single thought of returning to his master. But that was before he met Paul.

Something about the man drew him. Paul's physical appearance wasn't much, but his passion for Jesus Christ tugged at an empty place in Onesimus' heart. In spite of being imprisoned, Paul seemed to embody freedom. It didn't matter where Paul was, he chose to see each circumstance as an opportunity to share the gospel. When he was in jail, he spoke to the guards about the Lord. When he was on the streets, he took every occasion to communicate the good news of Christ.

Onesimus accepted Jesus' unconditional love for him, and had grown in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord in his brief time with the Apostle Paul - now it was time to return to Philemon. How would his master respond? Onesimus could only hope that forgiveness would be extended.

Paul had been kind enough to write a letter to his master. He urged Philemon to receive Onesimus, "For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord," (Philemon 1:15-16; KJV).

Paul had even encouraged Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself. If Onesimus owed his master anything, Paul instructed him to put it on his account and he would repay it. Paul had done everything he could to initiate reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus.

His days of running over, Onesimus headed home with a hopeful heart. He had learned much about reconciliation from his friend and mentor, Paul. When Onesimus recognized his sinfulness, Paul introduced him to the Savior who had already paid his sin debt. By placing his trust in Christ, Onesimus was reconciled to his Heavenly Father. Because of the letter Paul had written to Philemon, Onesimus believed his relationship with his earthly master could be restored as well.

Have you experienced reconciliation with your Heavenly Father as Onesimus did? Is there a broken relationship in your life that needs to be restored? What step will you take to begin the process of reconciliation today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for faithful men and women of God who are quick to share You no matter what their circumstances. Thank You for making a way that we can be reconciled to a holy God (John 3:16). Help us to mend relationships for Your honor and glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Who Are You Living For?

I look up to her. Her hair has been white for many years. And her hearing isn't the best anymore. But her smile is contagious, and her love for others is obvious. In her early nineties, my sweet friend has the vitality of someone a fraction of her age. Life is an adventure.

She's a people person - the type that's never met a stranger. The conversation doesn't dwell on her; no, she's more interested in finding out about you. I'm pretty sure her middle name is either Hospitality or Generosity. A cold drink and a homemade treat are always on hand for guests. And she can't resist giving  keepsakes to her visitors  before they leave. From books and journals, to beautiful gems and shells, you'll never leave empty-handed.

It's clear her relationship with the Lord is treasured. Her Bible is well-worn and contains carefully penned notes from sermons throughout the years. Prayer is a big part of her life. I'm sure she has needs of her own, but her prayer requests are primarily for others.

What an example! The way she lives her life reminds me of the words penned by the Apostle Paul, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," (Philippians 2:3-4; KJV). My friend has experienced many of life's difficulties, yet chooses to encourage herself in the Lord and continue to pour out His love to others.

Consider the radical life of Paul. He had the pedigree, education, and position to be set for life. Yet he chose to trade it all in for a close relationship with Jesus Christ. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," (Philippians 3:7-8). Paul chose to draw strength from the Lord and share Him with everyone he met.

I have to admit, I often live life as if I'm the center of the universe. I can be shockingly self-absorbed. God's Word and the life of my elderly friend remind me that living for the Lord and sharing His love with others is really what it's all about. Time to re-focus!

Are you self-centered? Or do you live for others? What step can you take today to re-focus on the Lord and others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for countless examples in Your Word, of people who lived with You in mind. Thank You for friends who know Your Word and are living it out. Help me to grow in my relationship with You and to put others ahead of myself. In Jesus' name, Amen.