In the quaint verses of an often-overlooked letter in the New Testament, Apostle Paul weaves a delicate fabric of reconciliation that still speaks to us today. This message, encapsulated in my recent sermon at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, is not just a historical account but a living, breathing invitation to mend the torn fabrics of our relationships.
The Power of a Letter
Imagine receiving a handwritten letter in today’s digital age. The anticipation as you slide your finger under the sealed envelope, the texture of the paper between your fingers, and the inked words that seem to pulse with life. That’s the thing about letters; they carry a weight, an intimacy that electronic communication often fails to convey.
In the letter to Philemon, Paul does something extraordinary. He reaches out to reconcile two men: Philemon, a well-to-do Christian, and Onesimus, his runaway servant. But this isn’t just about mending a master-servant relationship; it’s about recognizing the transformation in Onesimus and urging Philemon to welcome him not just as a servant but as a brother in Christ.
Reconciliation: A Ripple Across Time
The call to reconcile is as potent today as it was back then. It’s more than just patching things up; it’s about transformation, about seeing each other through the lens of grace and shared humanity.
So, how do we apply this age-old message to our contemporary web of relationships? It starts with a simple step: identifying the Onesimus in our lives. Who have we wronged, or who has wronged us, that we now see with new eyes? Who is it that we need to welcome back into the fold of our lives, not just in their old capacity but as someone we recognize as changed, worthy of love and brotherhood?
Fostering Discussion
As you read through this post, I encourage you to reflect and engage in a dialogue either within the comments section below or within your community. Share your thoughts on what reconciliation means in today’s world. When was the last time you received a handwritten letter, and how did it make you feel?
Finding the Onesimus in Our Lives
As you journey through the rest of your day after reading this, I challenge you to think prayerfully about who may be the Onesimus in your life. Consider how you might reach out to repair that bridge. It doesn’t have to be a letter; it could be a phone call, a text, or even a face-to-face coffee chat. The mode of communication isn’t as important as the sincerity of the effort.
Call to Action
Before you move on to your next task, take a moment to pause. Reflect on the relationships in your life that may need mending. Who comes to mind? What’s holding you back from reaching out? Let’s not allow another day to pass without taking a step toward restoration.
In the spirit of Paul’s letter to Philemon, may your words, whether spoken or written, be a catalyst for healing and unity. May we all find the courage to be agents of reconciliation in a world that is yearning for genuine connection.
Farewell for now, and may the peace of Christ guide your path to reconciliation,
Rev. Dr. Ben Stilwell-Hernandez
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