That you might have him back forever—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. (Philem. 15–16)
Expanded Passage: Philemon 15-16
She was late again. She genuinely tried but failed to be on time anywhere. Except, there was that one day. She arrived exactly on time. Everyone was shocked and told her as much. In fact, the comments kept coming. Her countenance deflated as she shrank under the weight of these remarks. Then, it hit me. Every time she was late, she was treated respectfully. No one commented. It was business as usual. Now, her on-time behavior had attracted shaming comments.
Watching this unfold, I realized an important truth: when those around us struggle to achieve changes, we can accidently hold them in old patterns by seeing new behavior through the filter of history. Allowing a person the dignity to leave previous versions of themselves behind is fundamental to success.
Paul charged Philemon to be restored with Onesimus as a brother in the Lord, not as Philemon once knew him. Philemon needed to adjust his thinking. He needed to be deliberate about his interactions and intentional about his attitude.
Does this resonate with you? Have you been the Onesimus in your story? Are you desperately reaching for positive change hoping to have your actions positively viewed through the lens of your best efforts? Or are you accidently holding someone in old patterns because you have failed to allow a new filter, a new unencumbered relationship?
Help others achieve their godly transformations.
C. Renee Miller is the founder of CRM Spiritual Care Services and is passionate about assisting believers to unleash and electrify their relationship with Christ.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
