Paul teaches us how to love, because we’ve been loved by Christ, and we have the Spirit to assist us through prayer.

Remember all the Lord has done for you, as you deal with others. Vs17-19, “So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me. And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self.” There is no haughtiness that should be in us, no unwillingness to love.

Paul reminds Philemon how he ministered to him, how Paul was God’s tool, through his labors, to save Philemon and build him up in Christ. Now, he’s asking Philemon to love Onisemus as a brother, as more than a slave, and to set him free. It is a big ask, but Paul has a big reason for asking. You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this should motivate us unto everything godly with our neighbors! He’s done TOO MUCH for us to be hateful and to lack kindness.

We can get grace to do a better job of loving people. Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul, which means in high honor as God’s child. We esteem pastors and rightfully so, but we need to esteem other saints highly also!

Secondly, prayers are important. Vs22, “But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.” Prayers are how we get from God and ask Him to change us! Prayer is how Jacob had power with God and got the true blessing [Gen 32:28]. Prayer is how our Lord was transformed on the mountain in Luke 9. Prayer is how God moves the world.

Please, don’t be negligent here. Don’t say you’ll pray and not do it. Give yourself in the belief that God hears you, and His promises are sure. Pray for what He has promised, and ask Him for everything else, according to your needs. Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Prayer is vital to godliness and growth. Prayer is the answer to so many problems, as we settle our hearts with God, find solutions, and transform by His power and communion. Prayer is good for the soul, and it is good for those we pray for. Paul prayed for people because he loved them. He also connected prayer to physical deliverance. Philippians 1:19, “I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Prayer got Peter out of prison!

Thirdly, this is where we need grace: in our spirits! Philemon 1:25, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” It’s not enough to have grace in the head, grace on the mouth, or grace on the keyboard! We must have grace in our spirits to live the Christian life.

Oh, the blessing of being godly [1 Tim 4:8]. Oh, the wonderful communion with God. Oh, the blessing of being transformed.

Many young Christians think doctrine is what this is all about, as if our character doesn’t much matter. We are zealous for one part of the gospel (truth) while abandoning another. This cannot be. Not only must the truth be spoken boldly and zealously, but we must be loving people, especially towards the saints. We must forgive our enemies and walk in patience in this corrupt world. We must represent Christ and get Him out.

Be glad that you have grace to do this! It is not by human strength. By the Holy Spirit through the blood of Christ, God transforms us by the word [Rom 12:2]! God reveals His will, and He makes it happen, as we submit to His truth [1 Thess 2:13]. We believe that He can PERFORM THE WONDER, and He does it [Eph 3:20; Heb 13:21]!

He is still the miracle working God. The greatest need of the world is the Holy Spirit, and we have His power promised to us through prayer and belief of the word. Let us, therefore, repent of wrongs, trust the forgiveness in Christ, and we’ll receive the Spirit to live uprightly, full of joy and patience [Acts 2:38]. He will do His work of transformation!