Does Christian brotherly love
really work, even in situations of extraordinary tension and
difficulty? Will it work, for example, between productive
members of society and those who have disobeyed the laws and
have been convicted of crimes against society?
Paul
has no doubt! He writes to Philemon, (Philemon 1:1-25) a
beloved brother and fellow worker, and a church, on behalf of
O-nes’-i-mus, a deserter,
thief, and formerly worthless slave, but now Philemon’s brother
in Christ. With much tact and tenderness, Paul asks Philemon to
receive Onesimus back with the same gentleness with which he
would receive Paul himself.
Philemon had every reason to be angry. Onesimus had stolen from
him and run away. He had escaped to Rome, where he met Paul and
became a believer. Now Onesimus is returning to Philemon. Under
normal circumstances, Philemon has the right to exact revenge.
But these are not normal circumstances, Paul explains. Onesimus
fled as a criminal and returns as a believer. Paul doesn’t ask
Philemon to free Onesimus from his crimes, but to free him from
anger. He urges Philemon to offer grace and forgiveness rather
than demand justice.
“The Onesimus Project” is a support group that bases itself on the story of
Onesimus. We believe in the forgiveness and grace for those who
have wronged their fellow man, but yet have owned up to their
disobedience and seek the forgiveness and grace from God and
their fellow man that is portrayed in the story.
Does
this story have any application for your life? It does if there
is an Onesimus in your world. It does if someone has betrayed
you or offended you or turned away from you. What they did
wasn’t right. And to demand justice is only natural, which is
precisely the problem. Getting even is natural, it’s not
spiritual. As you consider how to respond, consider a higher
law, a law which sets all men free. Among the most wonderful
gifts in the forgiveness of sins is this one, that God permits
us poor children of the earth to become co-workers in His
Kingdom.
Our
Mission Is…
?
To help spread the knowledge of the availability
of this forgiveness to our neighbor.
?
To speak for Him to those who need His comfort and
courage.
?
To help promote understanding and goodwill.
?
To help build the Kingdom of kindness.
?
To help seek redemption and live redeemed.
This
group is open to both the forgiven as well as the forgiver. We
are believers coming together to provide a safe and encouraging
environment for all who seek a better relationship with their
fellow man and the family of God. Are you an “Onesimus”, maybe a
“Paul”, or even a “Philemon”? If so, we welcome you in.
To sign up for this group, contact Tom Carr at:
NorthEast
Christian Church
990 Star Shoot Parkway
Lexington, KY 40509
859-299-1251, ext. 243
Email:
Tom Carr
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