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“No longer as a slave, but more then a slave – as a dearly loved brother.” Philemon 1:16a (HCSB)

 A beautiful picture of God’s grace – that’s the story of Onesimus.  It was not by coincidence that Onesimus found himself in jail alongside the champion of the faith, the Apostle Paul. Once Onesimus accepted Jesus as his Savior, the past was behind him. Paul strongly emphasizes this point in the letter he wrote to Philemon. Paul stated the value that Onesimus was to him and now would be to Philemon. Paul even offered to pay for any loss that Philemon may have incurred when Onesimus ran away. He tells Philemon that Onesimus is no longer a slave but his brother in Christ.

 Ever wish you could go back in the past and fix mistakes? We all do. That’s why this story is so personal. It reminds us that once we accept Christ, the past is gone. Take some time to ponder on how Paul refers to Onesimus. You can feel the love pouring out of him for this once useless slave. That is how God feels about us. We are valuable to Him, and He loves us with an overwhelming love. Paul was ready to pay any financial debt Onesimus owed just as Jesus willingly paid for our sins on the cross. We are no longer slaves. Now we are part of the family of God. Never let yourself or anyone else tell you otherwise.

“Lord thank You for Your overwhelming love for us. We were once useless to the Kingdom of God, but now we are priceless in your sight. Thank You for saving us; never let us forget that we are free.”

 For His Glory

 Anice Pruitt
TRBC Coffee Break