Overview

"For more than two years while in Ephesus during his commission, Apostle Paul ministered in Asia Minor. This was a successful period for the apostle to the Gentiles, who saw many converts among both residents of Ephesus and visitors to the city. One of the people converted under Paul's teaching pursuant to the Book of Philemon 1:19 was a man called Philemon, a slaveowner from the nearby city of Colossae. In the Infallible Word, the book that bears Philemon's name, Paul addressed his ""beloved brother"" as a ""fellow worker,"" a title given to those who served for a time alongside Paul. The two gospel writers Mark and Luke also received this title later in the letter as impeccably exhibited in Philemon 1:1, 24. Conspicuously, a kinship existed between Paul and Philemon, one that would serve a significant purpose in light of the circumstance that brought about the letter. As a counselor, I have walked the road of frustration with several clients whose issues were a result of inadequate life skills. There are two great steps in helping the client deal with the issues that precede obtaining necessary life skills. First, help the client recover from the shame or embarrassment that often accompanies this deficit. Second, help the client find empathy and forgiveness for parents or guardians who had inadequate skills to pass on or who were too busy to make training a priority. The process of removing emotional roadblocks and obtaining the missing skill set will take humility and patience. However, for your clients, this process could mean the difference between being the initiator of frustration to all who fall under their leadership and being a confident leader in their realms of responsibility. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God. This verse warns us that the ""world system,"" the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God, will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern, and that process must be resisted. The battle ground between conforming to the world and being transformed is within the mind of the believer. Christians must think differently. Accordingly, Paul made a request. He wanted Philemon to forgive a runaway slave, Onesimus, and receive him as a brother in Christ, as the apostle found him useful in God's service pursuant to Philemon 1:11-14. Paul did not minimize Onesimus's sin, however, there was sacrifice required in this request, and because of that, Apostle Paul approached the request with gentleness and care as exhibited in Philemon 1:21. His letter to Philemon vividly presents the beautiful and majestic transition from slavery to kinship that comes as a result of Christian love and forgiveness. The Bible says, ""Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you"""

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