Onesimus

10that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,^b who became my son while I was in chains. 11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.

Thoughts: Onesimus is an example that you don't have to have a lot to be an encouragement.  In fact, often the wealthy who have everything going for them do not know how to handle mortality or problems well.  Those who have handled them can point them to hope in heaven and the hope of better times to come.  Onesimus was a slave who ran away and became a Christian.  Paul was writing to his friend Philemon to welcome him as a brother who has been set free.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to see I can encourage anyone at anytime.  

5-30-15 More Than a Slave

7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^a in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^b circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. (Colossians 4:7-9)

Thoughts: Paul lived his Christian faith in love with others.  He commended both Tychicus and Onesimus.  Onesimus was a runaway slave who had become a Christian in Rome.  Paul sent Onesimus back but he also asked that the slave owner, Philemon (for whom the letter is named today), find a way to release him.  Paul was saying in Christ there is a love that goes beyond business.  For Paul, business was a tool for the gospel- not the other way around.  When business runs rampant without care for others- then it can become the enemy of the gospel leading to uncaring greed.  Paul doesn't call Onesimus a runaway slave, but a brother.  In Christ we are one- whether slave or free- Jew or Gentile- male or female.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love that goes beyond my sin.  Thank you for Paul's example to set aside class/caste in order to further your kingdom.