Philemon 4-7 – Build bridges, don’t build walls

From verses 4-7, Paul painted for us the beautiful character of Philemon. The very gracious nature of Philemon made it easier for Paul to seek forgiveness on Onesimus’ behalf.  So close was Paul to Philemon that he kept him in his prayers constantly. When Paul thought about Philemon in his prayers, he only had thanksgiving to give to God for the life of this man.

Philemon was a loving man and had great love for the saints, and he was full of faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. His belief was bore out in action. In verse 6, Paul prayed that as Philemon shared his faith with fellow believers, he might come to know and experience more fully all the blessings Christ had given to believers. In verse 7, he wanted Philemon to know that he was greatly encouraged by his love. He was assured that others were ministered to by his love as well. Paul and Philemon - what winsome characters!

Like Paul and Philemon, we all can be bridges to someone else’s relationship with the Lord, and certainly with each other. Paul was a bridge to many people’s relationship with the Lord. Here he was seeking to be a bridge between the relationship of Philemon and Onesimus. It’s a reflection of his loving heart. It tells us that Paul truly understood that he was God’s redemptive agent in the world.

What about us? Can the same be said of us? Do we see God’s redemptive purpose in our lives? Let’s begin today to build bridges between God and the lost. Take into consideration that there are also fractured relation between members of the church’s family. Let’s be sensitive to God’s purpose in our lives and help to build bridges for relationship to flourish. By God’s grace, let us not construct walls and separate relationship.