Devotionals

DAILY MEDITATION FROM THE BOOK OF PHILEMON

DATE: MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

TOPIC FOR TODAY: PEACEMAKERS 1

TEXT: PHILEMON 1:10-11

^{10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.}

REFLECTION

Paul was mediating between Philemon and Onesimus. Onesimus, like we said earlier, was Philemon’s runaway slave. He wronged his master and fled to Rome. This was a very bitter experience for Philemon. While in Rome, Onesimus gave his life to Christ through the ministration of Paul, and Paul started discipling him. On the other hand, Philemon his master also gave his life to Christ through Paul’s ministration, and he too became Paul’s disciple. Paul was therefore discipling two enemies who were at different locations.

Reconciling quarrelling parties is a divine mandate. Jesus said: Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. (Matthew 5:9). The world today is full of quarrels, misunderstandings and irreconcilable differences between family members, office colleagues, business partners, political friends and opponents, church members, neighbours, etc, don’t be the reason why lingering quarrels and crises thrive, rather, be the reason for its reconciliation.

Paul’s method of reconciliation here was unique and strategic, he did not rebuke Philemon or condemn him for having slaves which included Onesimus, rather, in order to give his appeal a soft landing, he first introduced Onesimus as his son. He adopted a gentle approach and appealed to Philemon to kindly receive Onesimus, his son. By this he had shielded Onesimus from his wrath and given him some protection, because he had already repented and was sorry for his sin. Let us not judge someone by the sins he had committed before giving his life to Christ. That is why the Bible said “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Paul’s appeal to Philemon was based on this. Let us learn to apply wisdom, gentleness and patience whenever we are reconciling disputes.

Further Study

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Prayer

1. Fathe Almighty, please, help me not to condemn anyone while handling dispute resolution, but speak peace from my heart, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2. My LORD and my God, please, give me the right words to say whenever I am handling dispute resolution, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

3. Father please, speak peace to troubled and wounded hearts that they may heal from the pain of disappointment and quarrel, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.