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The book of Philemon reminds us that when we encounter the gospel of grace, everything changes. Everything that was past is long gone. We are created anew, given a new name and a new identity. And as a new creation, a people of grace, we forgive. The forgiven forgive. It’s what we do. The dead are brought to life. The useless become useful in helping others find grace. We are no longer runaways, we are adopted children of God, with a seat at the table. Through Christ, we have become who we were created to be.

Philemon is also a reminder that not only are we like Onesimus in need of grace, but like Paul and Philemon we will be given opportunities to forgive and restore other Onesimus’ in the world around us. In many ways, what the letter to Philemon does is give us a guide, a roadmap to grace, a roadmap to community. Paul turns the runaway around, back to Philemon, back to Christian community, back to a spiritual home.  Philemon gives me hope that culture can be changed one heart at a time.