The “F” Word - Forgiveness Motives (1): I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! (Philemon 21 NLT). Paul recognised Philemon had several motives for forgiving Onesimus. 1. I recognise I owe a debt I can’t pay. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! (Philemon 19 NLT). Onesimus owed Philemon an earthly debt. But Philemon owed Paul a spiritual debt. He had become a new man through Christ because of Paul. Philemon’s spiritual blessings far outweighed his temporal debts. 2. You can become a blessing to others. Yes, my brother, please do me this favour for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ (Philemon 20 NLT). Paul had already encouraged Philemon he had been a blessing to others: Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people (Philemon 7 NLT). Now he says: be an encouragement to me. 3. You are called to be obedient to God. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say (Philemon 21 NASB). Philemon knew the biblical principles of forgiveness. He was a man of God and would therefore obey his commands.
Posted on: Mon, 05 May 2014 12:20:24 +0000
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