28 Aug W1 | Forgiveness : Onesimus

Posted at 08:55h in October, Topics 2024 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

Philemon 1:17-21 (NIV) | So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV) |Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

OBJECTIVE

Learning from the story of Onesimus and Philemon, true forgiveness both to self and to others can only be obtained through Christ who has first forgiven us all. The reconciliation and transformation only comes from God.

CONTENT

WHY WE SHOULD FORGIVE

  • God has forgiven our sins (Colossians 2:13, Matthew 26:28, Romans 4:7-8). He has sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. It is by His mercy that we are saved, a price that humankind cannot afford. We can only be thankful and give Him the glory. Forgiving others is our way to lift up our gratitude to Him. Giving forgiveness does not only apply to others, but also to ourselves. Our adornment to Jesus as the Highest Judge and the King of kings, should humble us to trust His verdict, that He has forgiven and saved us (Psalm 75:7, Isaiah 33:22). “To say ‘I know God forgives me, but I can’t forgive myself’ means you’ve failed an idol whose approval is more important than God’s.” - Timothy Keller.
  • God wants us to forgive. In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus told Peter about the parable of the unmerciful servant. It details the story of a servant who was forgiven a massive debt, only to refuse forgiveness to another servant who owed a relatively small debt. Jesus closed it with “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” He also teaches us to forgive in the Lord’s Prayer. That we forgive our brothers and sisters just as God has forgiven us. (Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14-15). It is God’s command for us to obey.
  • Forgiveness liberates us. Forgiving those who have hurt or disappointed us keeps bitterness from taking root (Ephesians 4:31). When we cling to resentment, we unknowingly give it ongoing power over our hearts, which keeps us enslaved to our anger. This resentment pulls us away from our Lord because we cannot hold on to bitterness and hold on to God. Bitterness and unforgiveness rob our lives of peace and joy from God's presence. When we forgive, we can begin walking in freedom. Forgiveness brings us closer to God.
  • Forgiveness brings healing and restoration towards others (Proverbs 17:9, John 20:22-23). Onesimus was a slave who had stolen from his master, Philemon, and ran away. He came to faith in Christ through the apostle Paul’s ministry and Paul wants Onesimus to live a new life in righteousness. Paul then told Philemon to forgive him and treat him no longer as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. By not treating Onesimus as a convict, Paul got to witness how Onesimus’ life became transformed to benefit others (Philemon 1:11, Philemon 1:13). Onesimus’ newfound faith has brought him to embrace a life dedicated to following the leading of the Holy Spirit and to serving God’s purposes.

RECONCILIATION AND TRANSFORMATION ONLY COMES FROM GOD

  • When we forgive, Jesus doesn’t want us to limit our forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22). To build peace between Philemon and Onesimus, Paul even told Philemon to charge him with Onesimus’s debts (Philemon 1:18-19).
  • People would often wonder, what would happen once we forgive the people who hurt us, will they repent? But it is not our part to worry about. The renewal of mind can only come from the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Only God alone can change someone’s heart and bring them to repentance. Our change of heart to forgive too, is a God given transformation.
  • One of the essence of the gospel is the reconciliation between God and humankind. When we are reconciled with the Creator, we can have a change of heart to also be reconciled with our fellow brothers and sisters. This reconciliation between one another helps us propel our growth in Christ. To disciple and transform one another in love and forgiveness.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • What makes it hard to forgive?
  • Have you forgiven someone that has wronged you in the past? Do you have any relationship restoration stories?

REFERENCES