Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace and forgiveness you constantly show us. May we learn to show that same grace and forgiveness to others. In your name, Amen.
Reading: Philemon 1-21 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: As I searched for which passage to write on, I was very excited to see this one as an option since I have recently reviewed it with some dear friends. Here is some of what we discovered: Philemon is a very unique book of the Bible for many reasons, and the one that stands out the most to me is its length. It is so short, it does not even have chapters! But even though this book is short, it should not be overlooked! This is one of Paul’s prison letters, and he is writing to his friend Philemon about Onesimus. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave, but had since run away from him, so he was in big trouble with Philemon. Paul is writing to ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus. What really stuck out to me was verse nine, when Paul says he “prefers to appeal to you (Philemon) on the basis of love.” This appeal is something that we need to do as well. I once misplaced a person who was very important to me, and without explanation, I let them slip through the cracks of my busy schedule to focus on newer things. But this friend was so important to me and once they brought my mistakes to my attention, I knew I needed their forgiveness. I needed to humbly appeal to them on the basis of love. Hoping they would show me love and grace. Thankfully that friend did forgive me and we rebuilt our relationship. I often still recall that experience, and nothing can bring back the time that was lost, but it serves as a reminder to me to remain humble and to not take anything or anyone for granted. I hope this passage serves as a reminder for you to see the power of love, grace, and forgiveness. And especially the power of God’s forgiveness and grace when you appeal to him on the basis of love. --Anne Harshbarger
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