When the apostle Paul wrote to Philemon to appeal for his friend Onesimus, he was careful to make his appeal out of love, not an demand of authority. He affirms that the spiritual transformation that had taken place in Onesimus now made him a brother to them both, which meant that he needed to be seen and treated differently. By reminding Philemon, and us, of the power of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit calls us to examine our relationships, to see where we repent, forgive and refresh each other.