(The following is an article I wrote for our local newspaper, the Mail-Journal)
One of the most powerful books in the Bible is also one of the shortest books in the Bible.
There are several short books in Scripture I could be referring to, but the one I have in mind is Philemon. It is a letter that I have grown to love, written by Paul to a friend named Philemon.
I call it one of the most powerful books for a few reasons. First, it contains the seed principles that led to the abolition of slavery in the modern world. Second, it deftly navigates a complicated and potentially combustible situation. And third, Paul navigates this successfully because he maintains a focus on Christ and what it means to follow him.
If you don’t know the background, Philemon had a slave in his household in Colossae named Onesimus who apparently stole from his master and ran away. Onesimus connected with Paul who was imprisoned in Rome. Onesimus came to faith in Jesus and was now returning with one of Paul’s representatives back to Colossae and his master.
Can you feel the tension of that situation?
Philemon could demand harsh punishment of Onesimus. Paul could demand Philemon obey his instructions. But we don’t get any sense of authoritative pressure or ultimatums from this letter.
Instead, we see Paul calling Philemon to remember the faith he professes and the Christian community he is a part of. Paul graciously highlights how Jesus completely changes how we relate to one another. Any demands he might make, any entitlements Philemon may assume – they are all set aside because of the unity and love we have for one another as followers of Jesus.
“I could order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love” is what Paul says in verses 8-9. Philemon shouldn’t view him as a servant any longer, “but better than a slave, as a dear brother…as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord” (vs.16). In verse 21 he adds, “confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”
Jesus changes how we relate to one another. We should not demand all the rights we are entitled to over and against others. We should respond to offenses with forgiveness rather than revenge.
Warning: forgiveness like what is being called for here is NOT EASY. In theory everyone affirms forgiveness as a virtue. But to give grace to people who’ve materially or emotionally hurt us? That takes a work of God in our hearts and minds. And it usually takes time to process.
Justice may still be called for and consequences may still be necessary to enforce. Forgiveness and justice are not mutually exclusive. Notice Paul promises to repay Philemon for anything he has lost in vs. 19. But when sincere repentance is present, restoration and reconciliation can rebuild what has been lost or broken.
Jesus
changes how we relate to one other. The labels the world applies, the records
people keep, the rights others demand – all can be set aside when the
transforming redemption of Jesus makes its presence felt in our lives.