Love That Speaks (part two)
Today we continue our series, Love That Speaks, as we look at Philemon 1:8–16 and the powerful theme of reconciliation.
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, not simply as a servant, but as a fellow Christian brother. After Onesimus ran away from Philemon, he had encountered Christ. The gospel was now changing how Philemon was called to see and receive Onesimus back into his home and Christian community.
That is what the gospel does. Jesus doesn’t just change our relationship with God; He changes our relationships with one another. He teaches us to forgive, extend grace, see people through the eyes of redemption, and pursue reconciliation when relationships have been broken.
That makes today’s baptisms especially meaningful. Baptism is a public declaration that Jesus changes lives. The old life is buried, and a new life in Christ begins. Today we celebrate the transformation of lives restored to Christ.
As we celebrate those being baptized today, let’s also ask what Christ wants to change in us. Is there someone we need to forgive? Someone we need to see differently? A relationship where God is calling us to take a step toward reconciliation?
As we look toward Testimony Sunday on August 30, remember that your testimony is more than the story of how you came to Christ. It is also the story of what Christ has done in you and through you since you came to Him.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Patrick