Philemon 1-3.  Philemon was a good man.  He was not just a pew-sitter in Colossae.  He hosted a fellowship in his own house.  Paul described him as a “beloved fellow worker.”  The picture we get from Paul’s words in this letter is that Philemon was deeply committed to Christ and to the gospel.  Something bad happened to him.  His slave, Onesimus, whom he trusted, stole from him and ran away.  Some time later, Onesimus encountered Paul and became a Christian like his former master.  Now he wants to do the right thing and return and reconcile with Philemon.

Paul intercedes.  The book of Philemon is Paul’s letter which he sends to accompany Onesimus.  Paul was concerned for his friend, Philemon.  He writes out of respect for Philemon’s ministry, and understands how it feels to be abandoned by people you had trusted. 

Perhaps someone you had trusted has let you down, and you don’t know if you could ever forgive them.  The LORD knows how it feels to be deeply hurt.  He cares for you.  He knows that you feel sensitive, and that you don’t want to be vulnerable again.  But the question for Philemon and for all of us who have been deeply hurt is whether we dare open our hearts long enough for the LORD to minister his grace. Reconciliation is his work.

LORD, we have been hurt.   We trust you to heal us gently.