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your welcoming spirit

Philemon 1:17-20 (JDV)

Philemon 1:17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me.
Philemon 1:18 And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
Philemon 1:19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it — not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self.
Philemon 1:20 Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

The word partner in verse 17 is κοινωνoς, a word designating close association and shared mission. Paul was just the right person to appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus.

Graves and Addington write, “Partners generally work together to make decisions, set policies, deflect problems, and celebrate their successes. They welcome each other equally, knowing they’re in it together for the long haul. … Do you welcome all brothers and sisters in Christ equally? It’s easy to get into your own clique or social group and forget about others in the church. But we’re all equally important in God’s eyes, and that’s what matters. How you treat fellow believers shows God how you feel about Him. When you slight a newcomer in your church or turn your back on a long-time member, you’ve slighted God and turned your back on Him. But if you make a newcomer feel welcome and show affection for all of His children, He will feel your welcoming spirit” (185-186).

Graves Stephen R and Thomas G Addington. Deep Focus: Devotions for Living the Word. 1st ed. Jossey-Bass 2003.