Paul’s Love for the Individual—an Example Worth Following

Paul’s Love for the Individual—an Example Worth Following

Philemon was a close friend and co-worker of Paul. Paul praised Philemon for his love and his work with the believers: “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.” Philem. 7 These words must have warmed Philemon’s heart and opened his mind to receive the message of the letter. Paul makes it clear that he could have commanded Philemon to follow his advice because of his spiritual authority, but instead he appealed to him out of love. V. 8-9. While Paul was imprisoned, he had come into contact with Onesimus, one of Philemon’s slaves. Onesimus had turned to God through Paul’s preaching and had become a dear servant to him. Eventually, Paul must have encouraged Onesimus to return to Philemon. V. 12.

Paul understood that it would be difficult for Philemon to welcome Onesimus, since it wasn’t just a matter of being reconciled with his returning slave, but to accept him as a true brother, as an equal brother and as a co-worker. V. 15-17. Paul knew that this would be absolutely vital for Onesimus’ further development as a disciple of Jesus, and he did everything in his power to help the newly converted slave. Paul was even willing to take it upon himself and pay for any old debts Onesimus might have had. V. 18-19. It must have made an impression on Philemon and the believers around him to experience Paul’s enormous love for an individual believer.

Paul’s exhortations, sacrifice and example of love for the believers are just as important for us today. How do I treat people who have woken up to their heavenly calling? If I weigh them down with demands and reminders from the past, am I perhaps contributing to choking the first sprouts of a life of faith and trust in God? By God’s grace, I can instead be like Paul, someone who does everything in my power to bless, strengthen and help when God prompts me: whether in prayer, thoughts and words, but not least in my deeds. For Paul, everything was sacrificed and was available to use in the service of the saints. May that also be how it is with us, at all times, as we continue building this glorious building as God’s fellow workers.