Reconcile: Onesimus became a new man when he became a follower of Jesus Christ. He was a runaway slave. His owner, Philemon was his slave owner, but he as well trusted in Christ and became a new person. Did this change their relationship at all? The Apostle Paul intervened and wrote the letter to the Philemon saying a LOUD “YES!” The Gospel changes relationships and becomes greater than any other temporary descriptor we may have for one another. Paul said this “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:15-16) God changes relationships, no matter how bleak they were, through making us new through him. Master and slave, we’re now equally beloved brothers.

THINK and PRAY: It’s not just theory when God says He changes people’s hearts and makes us love like Him, forgive like him, and reconcile relationships like Christ perfectly exemplified to us. That process happens and displays a supernatural example of God's love in a world full of broke systems, societies, families, and relationships. If a slave owner and a slave, could become reconciled as brothers and family members in God’s family, what does that mean for us and the ways God can empower us to love and repair broken relationships? What has separated you from other people? Harsh words? Abuse? Prejudice? Envy? Other? These things are real in our past and present... but how would you apply the words of Philemon to your life? Where can you be willing to see someone in a new light, because what God has done for you? He made us enemies to be friends, sons, and daughters. He wants to repair broken relationships through his people and love. Let’s be open to being humble, agents of reconciliation.