DEC 21

Colossians 4:9
Memorise Psalm 133:1
“…who is one of you…”

Paul continues his mention of individuals with Colossians 4:9 “With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.” Notice the terms he uses for Onesimus are common with Tychicus: they are both faithful and beloved brethren. Paul deliberately used these similar terms to tell the Colossian Christians, to treat Onesimus just as well as they would treat Tychicus. We can read from the book of Philemon that Onesimus was previously a servant of Philemon, but had fled from his master. He had found his way to Rome, where under the ministry of Paul he became a believer. Paul wrote the letter to Philemon (borne by Onesimus in person) to ask the latter to receive Onesimus again, to forgive him of his crime and take him back as a Christian brother. In the epistle to the Colossians, he similarly asked the Colossian church to receive him as one of their brethren. Paul stated that both Onesimus and Tychicus would be able to testify to the ministry of Paul in Rome, further making the case that Onesimus should no longer be thought of as a runaway slave but as a faithful and useful brother in Christ. 

There will be instances that disputes break out between brethren. Usually one party realises his or her mistake and wants to apologise, but fears the wronged party will not accept the apology. Like Paul, there is a place for us as the third party to mediate between both. We can carry the message to the wronged party that the other party is genuinely apologetic and wants to be reconciled. When we have persuaded the wronged party to receive the other, we then bring the other party to come and apologise and mutually be reconciled to one another. Initially we might still have to bear some of the wrath of either party that we approach, but surely this minor inconvenience is worth it, if as a result of our mediation, both brethren are reconciled to one another. Such peace and unity between Christian brethren surely is cause for rejoicing, while continued conflict between brethren is cause for grief. Therefore, dear teen, notice if and when such situations happen in your fellowship, and with much prayer, wisdom and tact, be a mediator to bring conflicting brethren together.

Thought: Have there been past situations that I have been reluctant to step in?
Prayer: May I do my part to bring unity between brethren in cases of personal dispute.