If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. (Philem. 18)
Expanded Passage: Philemon 17-25
Gladys and Eleanor spent the majority of their adult lives in a forty-two-year feud. Gladys, in her final days, residing in an assisted living home, became singularly focused to make amends with her sister. My search for Eleanor eventually led to the remarkable discovery that she was in the same facility only one floor above. Both ladies were bed-bound, but we managed to get them side by side. Even in their state, they were determined to embrace. Tears flowed. Regrets flowed. Joy flowed. For decades, too many excuses kept their feud intact. Now, they were simultaneously filled with overwhelming joy and profound loss. They were desperate to turn back the hands of time, wishing they had reunited sooner.
Paul acts as a facilitator between Philemon and Onesimus to bring timely reconciliation between them. This speaks to all of us. Many relationships need healing so that resolution is possible. Restoration is the goal each of us must actively work toward. It doesn’t happen accidentally. Of course, Jesus paid the ultimate cost for the ultimate reconciliation. This is our pattern. Reconciliation is the process of restoring two parties back into harmony through the act of removing barriers.
Paul was willing to pay a physical price. We must also willingly pay the cost through healing, forgiveness, patience, and humility. We must remain vigilant to restore relationships now and avoid regret later.
Diligently work toward reconciliation; gain joy and avoid regret.
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®.
