Partners in Grace

Philemon 17-19 So if you consider me a partner, welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me. 18 If Onesimus has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back, not to mention that you owe me your very self.
 
HOW do you see Jesus in these three verses? As Paul has opened this letter by confirming his binding relationship to Jesus, “Paul, a prisoner for Christ.” He now demonstrates Jesus’ sacrificial heart to Philemon.
    Declaring he and Philemon are partners, Paul is speaking of a true fellowship between the two as they both confess Jesus is Lord.
    Consider, as you declare, “I follow Jesus. I am his disciple.” you are confessing a relationship that demands a love-centered obedience to your Savior. You live in partnership with him as you know his teachings, trust his words, obey his commands and serve him with your gifts. This, then, is how you partner with others in Jesus’ church.
    A Christ-centered partnership is a love-commitment to others in Christ. It is not an obligation based on your own personal gains. Partnering with Jesus’ disciples is drawing together in unity to advance the kingdom of God.
    See how Paul is willing to pay Onesimus’ debts. Paul is as Jesus, who paid our sin debts to the Father. Paul is willing to be Onesimus’ substitute to receive any penalty Philemon may wish to charge to his former slave. Jesus, of course, is our substitute on the altar of sacrifice. Jesus has died for your sins to pay the penalty, the debts, you owe the Father.
    Paul offers a Christ-like commitment. He will do this. This is his decision to stand in Onesimus’ place. In turn, he is willing to forego and to forgive any debt Philemon has to him. Paul desires all to be reconciled. In Jesus’ words on the cross, Paul is saying, “It is finished.” As he refers to any dispute between Philemon and Onesimus. Paul is the go-between. He is the mediator and the reconciler. His love for both men causes him to commit himself to their future partnership.
    Follow your Lord in the ways of reconciliation and peace. Help people in conflict resolve their issues. Remind them the Father has resolved his conflict with mankind by sacrificing Jesus on a terrible cross in an excruciating death. Whatever the issue, people need to let go and declare, “It is finished.”
 
Life Thought: Move on from conflict. Forgive your debtors as the Father has forgiven your debts.