Divine Diplomacy

Paul’s letter to Philemon not only provides us a great lesson in forgiveness, it gives us some valuable insight as to how the apostle approached a challenging issue involving fellow Christians. Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master Philemon. In all probability he had stolen from his master when he left. His actions were sinful, his spirit was rebellious; but by the grace of God his life had been dramatically changed. Paul writes that in time past this man was unprofitable, but now he is "profitable to thee and to me.”