Paul’s letter to Philemon revolves around a runaway slave that Paul is sending back to his former master. It must have been for Onesimus to trust Paul and be willing to go, knowing the uncertainty of what his reunion with Philemon would entail. And just imagine how radical and counter-cultural the nature of the call on Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to receive him back!

It’s the story of Onesimus’ running, as well as his returning. It is the story of the power of the gospel first to draw people to Jesus and second to restore broken relationships. But it is also the story of a local church that was called to embrace Onesimus as one of their own.

Pivoting over to Colossians, the church that met in Philemon's house, we see what God is calling us to become (kind, humble, meek, forgiving and more) and that it is only possible as we believe what God has declared us to be (chosen, holy, beloved, one body).

And then we ask, wouldn't you want to be part of a gospel community like that? A church that was able to give and receive the mercy, grace, and hope of Christ to one another?