Lectionary reading from the Blue Book: Paul’s full letter to Philemon here
From Paul’s letter to Philemon: “So if you consider me your *partner, welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything,
charge that to me.”
Have you read Paul’s curious letter to Philemon? In a nutshell, Onesimus was a slave to Philemon, ran away with some of Philemon’s money, and now Paul writes this letter and demands Onesimus’ debt canceled and says, “welcome him as a brother and charge his debt off against what you owe me.”
Paul demanding Philemon forgive a debt is pretty bold, while not confronting him on the evil system of slavery is pretty weak. This letter may have holes, but the message of forgiveness and confronting evil is vital.
We notice that when we need forgiveness, we want forgiveness to be a never-ending source, but when the tables turn, we can run out of clemency resources. And it’s also true that everyone sent to us (by God or someone else) presents the opportunity to forgive them and to look inside and confront our own inconsistencies and need for forgiveness.
Here are a few reflection questions this letter offers:
•Do you have limits or restrictions on forgiveness?
•How difficult is it for you to confront evil?
•Is there an invitation to confront? Forgive?
We know forgiveness is complicated. Confronting what is evil has layers. And both deserve our attention and intention.
Reflecting on these things,
Clare and Scott
Follow The 3 M(icah) Challenge “Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly.” (resources here)
*(partner: Strong’s Greek 2844: A sharer, companion, friend.)
Check out our next IEA Accredited Enneagram Certification Program
June 6-9 2023