Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Accepting Christ
Philemon 1:1-21
Vs 16 ...no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.  
Philemon 1:4 says “I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers”- the book opens with a prayer of thanksgiving by Paul for Philemon, his household and the church that met in his home.
The book of Philemon is written by Apostle Paul, while he was in prison, to his friend and fellow worker Philemon in regards to his slave, Onesimus.  The purpose of Philemon is to teach forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance. Paul is urging Philemon to forgive his slave Onesimus who run away from him but now has accepted Christ as his savior. Paul tells Philemon that he mentions his name every time he pray with thanksgiving. He urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him with the grace. Paul did not want to force Philemon in any matter but gives him the freedom to choose to forgive and accept Onesimus. Philemon had a choice to make: He could treat Onesimus as his salve or welcome him as a brother in Christ.
Here Paul shows the like mindedness of Jesus Christ. Jesus calls for everyone to forgive, reconcile and to accept each other. But He gives us the choice to do so. If we forgive and reconcile by God’s race, He gives us everlasting peace. When you are at peace you will be able to see things clearly and accept people as who they are. In our life, Lord being a righteous and gracious father forgives our mistakes and accepts as His own child.
 Forgiveness and reconciliation are the two most important things that help us to lead a peaceful life. The book of Philemon gives a strong message of forgiveness, especially between those who believe. It gives good insight for viewing all people as equal regardless of the cultural practices of the day. 
 
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for Jesus Christ. Help us to change our lives and build our relationships. Help us to remove the barriers among us and accept each other and make us the members of your family. Amen!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic; love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.    1 Peter3:8
Mrs. Mariamma Ninan, St. James MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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