October 29

Philemon 1:1-25

The idea of family runs throughout the New Testament but is especially heightened in the letter to Philemon. Do you understand your connection with those you are sitting next to in church and the obligations you have to them?

While Paul was in prison, he was introduced to Onesimus. We are not given many details about their interaction, but their relationship was one of family; Onesimus was like a spiritual son to Paul. Paul then wrote Philemon, who was the owner/master of Onesimus. Paul does not tell Philemon to simply treat his slave well, but instead calls him to treat him "as a dear brother." These instructions radically destroyed their previous relationship of slave and master. Power dynamics, objectification, and certainly enslavement are off the table. The principles laid down here would become the seeds that would overthrow the whole slave trade. When you are family, there is no place to own one another. These family dynamics are true of all believers. When we come to faith in Christ, we become part of the family of God and instantly become siblings with millions of other believers. As a family we are called to deep love for each other. So, as we look around the church, we are ultimately looking at our family and people for whom we need to love and care.

Father God, help me to love the church as my family and know how to respond to their needs. Amen.

How would seeing the church as your family change the way you love people in it?