Scripture:
[15] Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— [16]no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
Observation:
Paul is imploring Philemon to accept Onesimus back with love as a brother and new creation as follower of Jesus, forgetting his past.
Application:
We are not defined by our pasts. With our repentance, Jesus has washed away our sins. we are new creations in Him with new hearts and a desire to please and glorify Him. Our future and our hope is in Jesus Christ alone.
Prayer:
Thank you for my salvation in spite of my faults and my past. I did nothing to earn it or deserve it and yet you gave me a future with You and bless me every day with your goodness. I know I will never be sinless or without fault this side of heaven, but I pray I am able to continually grow to be more and more like you. Help me glorify you and to be loving, forgiving and accepting of those who I find hard to love. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.