SCRIPTURE: Philemon 1
“No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother…” (Philemon 1:16)
Jesus changes the way we relate to each other.
Our world likes to divide people into categories and statuses.
Everyone has their place in the caste system (even if we deny there is one).
You will see the pecking order wherever you go, among children and adults.
Paul is appealing to Philemon to see his runaway slave as a restored brother.
Paul does not advocate revolution against the slavery system of the day.
But the good news of Jesus does result in breaking down these walls and barriers.
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (Colossians 3:11)
Has the love of Jesus changed how we see others – not as categories but as family?
Which category do I still use for people (natives, muslims, newfies, homeless, atheists)?
Can I receive them as my brothers and sisters, in need of Christ like me?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I know that other believers are my brothers and sisters. But help me to see that all people are, though they have not all found their way back to our Father. Help me to receive all people with love.