DEC 15

Philemon
Memorise Philemon 16
“Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me”

Onesimus was a slave and a thief who was saved. God, in the multitude of his mercies had forgiven him and accepted him as a child of God. There are many others like him down the ages who have been saved. Rahab, the harlot is one of the most outstanding examples of one despised in society but have found salvation in the Lord. Nowadays we also hear of ex-convicts and ex-drug addicts who have come to the saving knowledge of the Lord.

John 6:37 declares, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me; I will in no wise cast out.” In declaring these words Jesus shows that He accepts all men regardless of their race, language and position in society. Here in the above verse, which you have just read, Paul’s request to Philemon was that he receives Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Indeed, Paul commended him to Philemon as “a brother beloved specially to me.” Furthermore, he was quick also to add that Onesimus would also be profitable to Philemon now that his slave is a believer.

As Christians, we are also to practice the same type of acceptance that Jesus practiced, regardless of what they had done in the past or what they have done to us. The Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 was a woman of ill repute but Jesus offered her the living water and she gladly accepted. She went forth into the city and witnessed to the men, “Is this not the Christ?” Many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus because of her. We must also follow after the footsteps of our Master.

Dear teen, are you able to receive all men, regardless of what they have done, what colour their skin is and where they come from? From time to time, you might meet with friends, classmates or even church members who have had a past. As Jesus and Paul have shown, we need to have a great heart of compassion and justice for all. Since all are sinners, all are in need of a Saviour to save them from their sins. Once saved, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will change, lead and guide them that they grow more Christ-like. Who are we to judge them when Christ has already accepted them?

Thought: Others should not have to meet our standards to be accepted by us.
Prayer: Our loving Father in heaven, teach me to have a compassionate heart for those who are down and out and help them along life’s difficult journey.