Grace, kindness, forgiveness, and second chances

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “The Great Adventure”

Our Bible verse for today: “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.” Philemon 1:10-11 (NLT)

Our thought for today: “Grace, kindness, forgiveness, and second chances”

I love the little letter of Philemon, found near the end of the New Testament. It was written by the Apostle Paul while he was being held as a prisoner in Rome. The recipient, Philemon, was evidently a wealthy landowner or businessman who Paul had led to faith in Christ and discipled. Philemon had a slave by the name of Onesimus who had run away and perhaps even stolen money or something of value from Philemon.

At some point, Onesimus ended up in Rome, encountered Paul, came to faith in Christ, and became a trusted assistant to Paul. Paul then convinced Onesimus that he had to return to his master, Philemon, face the consequences of his actions, and attempt to make things right. The purpose of Paul’s letter was to inform Philemon that Onesimus was now more than just a returning runaway slave, he was a brother in Christ and should be treated accordingly. Paul urged Philemon to deal with Onesimus with grace, kindness, forgiveness, and to give him a second chance.

One of the most heartwarming situations we encounter on this adventure of living the Christian life are the stories of redemption and reconciliation we see all throughout Christianity. Every one of us was at one time a wayward sinner who needed to be forgiven by God and by others. Beyond that, even after salvation, we have all strayed and sinned (against God and others) and therefore we have all needed second, third, and fourth chances.

I love stories about a truly transformed person who has turned his or her life around and who becomes a showcase for the difference Jesus makes in a life. And I also love the other side of the story – the actions of people like Paul and Philemon who extend second chances and who welcome back the runaway slave (or the wayward sinner).

The adventure of living the Christian life is all about second chances. It is a story that is filled with grace, kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Whose forgiveness do you need to seek? And to whom should you be extending it?

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply