Ambassadors of Mercy

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus.

PHILEMON 10

Onesimus was a runaway slave whose name meant “useful,” once useful to his master Philemon and then useful to Paul.

His story helps us learn about being agents of reconciliation . . .

Scripture is silent about why Onesimus fled from his master, although it is generally assumed he absconded with some of his master’s funds or property.

However, after Onesimus became a believer, he was extremely helpful to Paul (v. 11).

In fact, this slave’s life was so transformed by God’s love that he was willing to return to Philemon to face the consequences of his past sins.

Although the acceptable punishment for Onesimus’s offense was probably death, Paul exhorted Philemon to see Onesimus not as an unworthy slave but as a spiritual brother.

Paul’s personal intervention in the life of a new convert is exemplary for all believers.

Every Christian is God’s ambassador for reconciliation, forgiveness, and new hope in Christ.

We must look at the heart of a person rather than the outward appearance or circumstances.

God demonstrated through Paul’s appeal that mercy is always preferable to harsh legalism.

You yourself have received mercy from the Lord. To whom can you extend that same mercy today?