Philemon 1: 8-18

8 For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, 9 yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. 10 I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. 15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me.

Reflection:

Scene: Team meeting in a Roman jail.

Paul to his long-time assistant Tychicus: Look- we’ve got some heresy problems in Asia Minor. Take this letter to the Colossians to help them know right from wrong. I’ll send Onesimus with you.

Tychicus: Sure thing, boss. It’s only 1300 miles away, give or take. Easy-peasy.

Onesimus: Uh, Dad? Remember that thing with me and Philemon? Like, he could legally sell me or even kill me…

Paul: Good point, son – I’ll add a personal note just for him. Get packing, you two! 

This scene wouldn’t work in any human-written play. The actions make no sense. Why would a loving father send his son, his “very heart,” into mortal peril to deliver a message about the right way to live and worship to a community beset with lust, evil desires, and greed? And why would a son obey, when his human instinct would be to run away, again?

The answer is trust. Onesimus put his life on the line because he trusted Paul. He believed Paul knew what was best for him and for the greater church community. Paul trusted Philemon to stop and think before reacting rashly to Onesimus’ return. Paul knew Philemon would not rejoice at the instruction to treat his former slave as a free man and equal, but he trusted him to weigh his choices and respond thoughtfully to the written message. And Philemon trusted Paul to keep his word about backstopping any loss resulting from working with a one-time thief. Underlying these complicated relationships is faithful trust in God.

Sometimes it’s hard to trust. Trust requires taking risks, being honest, exposing personal hopes or fears. Trust can be broken accidentally, through a misspoken word, with heartbreaking results. 

The thing is, I can take my heartbreak to a trustworthy God and Father, who is always available, always faithful, always present. Do I have doubts? All the time. I trust God to help with those, too.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I believe in you. Please help me overcome my doubts. My what-ifs. My unbelief. Increase my trust in you today and every day. Amen.