Philemon, conclusion 

Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more that what I say. At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. 

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Deman, Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Is there any more God-like thing we can do than forgive?

I mean if we think about the amazing attributes of God, we often go to omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) omnipresent, Sovereign, unchanging and all around perfect in every way. Those are all wonders to us. They are far above us, glorious and beyond our reach. We cannot attain godliness (to be like God) in these attributes. Ok, no problem. We’ll leave ultimate power and perfection to God. 

But is it any less amazing that God forgives; completely, unconditionally, without merit, without regret, without expectations or conditions? His nature is to FORGIVE, RESTORE and REWARD! It is astounding! This is an amazing attribute of God that we can aspire to.

Yes, it’s true that he doesn’t forgive everyone. But the reality is, it is a miracle of miracle if He forgives just one person in all of history. But it goes way beyond just one person. It goes to the multitudes of millions who have called upon Him by faith and repentance throughout the ages.

In our case as Christians, He not only forgives, but He rewards. He rewards unconditionally, without merit, without regret, without expectation or conditions. It’s amazing. But get this….unlike the unattainable, Sovereign super-powers of God’s attributes, forgiving is something we can do. One of the most amazing attributes of God, to forgive, is something that we can do and be godly. And it’s something we can do that uniquely glorifies and honor God. Why? because God-like forgiveness is uncommon. We don’t see or experience much of it here on earth. I mean true, God-like forgiveness.

We don’t know what Philemon did or how he responded to Paul’s letter and to the unexpected presence of Onesimus. It was probably a lot to deal with. Perhaps Philemon had been harboring resentment toward his former slave who had betrayed him. Giving immediate forgiveness may be a huge challenge, in spite of Paul’s very persuasive letter. Or maybe, Philemon had already forgiven Onesimus in his heart and turned him over to God in prayer? In that case, Philemon might rejoice greatly knowing that Onesimus had been saved, an answer to his prayers. 

Our hope is that Philemon had already done the right thing and forgiven Onesimus in his heart long before he knew how the story would turn out. How much better would that be? What about you? Have you forgiven others who have wronged you before you know how the story might eventually turn out? God calls us to forgive in our hearts. It’s not that the other person even needs our forgiveness, but it is more that we need to forgive. When we forgive others, we are set free. It is cleansing and refreshing for us to forgive and be set free, regardless of whether the perpetrator ever changes or not. We can’t control what they do but we can control what we do. Forgive! And be set free. 

Lord, being forgiven is a wonderful gift you have given us. The breadth and depth of Your forgiveness toward us is as broad as the oceans and as high as the heavens. Since we have been forgiven much, may we forgive others as well. Help us to forgive as you have forgiven us. Amen!