In my devotionals, I recently read the book of Philemon. If you’ve never read it, I encourage you to do so. It’s a short, personal letter written by Paul to his friend who was also a Christ follower. His name was Philemon. He had a slave named Onesimus who ran away, met Paul who shared the gospel with him, and had a transformed life! He became a dear friend and a deeply needed and appreciated co-laborer in Christ with Paul, who was at the time, “in chains”.
The name Onesimus means “profitable” and in Christ, that’s who he became. Whatever shame, brokenness, or lack of purpose he carried before, his dignity was restored through Christ and he willingly gave himself to service for the Kingdom, specifically through Paul’s ministry.
The purpose of Paul’s letter was to send Onesimus back to Philemon, not because of legal obligations, but to appeal to Philemon to be reconciled to Onesimus because wrongs done among fellow believers need to be sorted out (1 Cor. 6:1-8).
One beautiful aspect of this letter was how lovingly the authoritative Paul the Apostle appealed to Philemon. He didn’t come across as demanding anything or throwing his weight around. He didn’t dominate with power, although he had it. Paul humbly shared why Philemon should receive his slave back and not only receive him, but to love him as a brother in Christ! When biblical principles are applied, people naturally at odds become friends and co-laborers. Onesimus was not the same person he was before he ran away, he was now a part of the family of God and this brought new light to the circumstance.
Would they be reconciled through forgiveness? Would Philemon cancel the debt he felt Onesimus owed?
Then Paul says, “But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account…I will repay…” (vs. 18-19). The words, “charge that to my account,” is translated, “impute.” Paul asks Philemon to impute the debt against him! Here is a picture or type of Christ. God receives us on the merit of Christ. We stand before God with a debt we could not and cannot pay. Our sin is a bottomless debt, but because of God’s GREAT LOVE, he imputed our sin to his son Jesus, who bore it on the cross. Because of Him, we are forgiven! Entirely. Completely. Wholly. Undeserved. Unearned. Unwarranted. What a gift! What a God we serve!
Are you holding someone captive today for debts you feel they owe? The Lord appeals to us to be committed to the act of forgiving others. It’s an emotional and difficult process at times. Forgiveness is a state Christ followers abide in because our own sin is “charged to the account” of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we:
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
“Forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Remember Jesus’ words: “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14–15).
As we have been reconciled to God through Christ’s blood, may we also pursue reconciliation with others through forgiveness.
As we come to the end of 2025, my hope is that we can reflect on the past year. Grieve the losses, celebrate the good and let go of debts you feel people owe you. Forgive them, love them and witness the great things God will do through your faith in Him.
One last thought: Scripture doesn’t record what happened next in the story of Philemon and Onesimus. But early church history—specifically from Ignatius—suggests that Onesimus later became a minister and eventually the bishop of the church in Ephesus.
Forgiveness carries destiny.
Pastor Rhonda co-founded Church On The Rock in 1997 with her husband, Jim Killion, and children. She is the office administrator and leads several ministries including the Connect Team, Women’s Ministry, and more. She enjoys spending time with her sons, daughters-in-law, and her four grandsons. Rhonda’s hobbies include antiquing, finding a good deal on Facebook marketplace, curating their Victorian era home, reading, and baking.
We’d love to hear from you. Use the questions below as a way to share your own story and encourage others in the comments.
Who do you most identify with in the story of Philemon—Paul, Philemon, or Onesimus—and why?
In your own words, what does forgiveness look like when it’s rooted in the gospel rather than fairness?