Grace—Infinitely Costly, Freely Given

Paul here is challenging Philemon to move from being a recipient of grace freely given to him to being a generous dispenser of grace to Onesimus, who, like him, does not deserve it. Onesimus has run away from Philemon, risking the death penalty if captured. In the meantime, Onesimus has met Paul, who has introduced him to Jesus. He is now a precious brother in Christ, but there is still a price on his head for being a runaway slave. Onesimus needs to return to Philemon and throw himself on his mercy. Paul needs to help Philemon get over his immediate anger, hurt, and righteous indignation and to learn that in following Jesus, we also learn to be generous dispensers of grace.

Paul reminds Philemon that he owes his life to Paul, who has led him to the Lord. Philemon, too, was once a man with a price hanging over his head. He, too, has been bought and paid for, but that has not been held against him, and he has freely received grace. The bounty has been lifted, and he is fully pardoned. Paul seeks to persuade Philemon to extend grace like this to Onesimus—undeserved and free. Just as Jesus does, but it must be freely given.

Are you holding onto unforgiveness towards a loved one, friend, family member, or work colleague? We have been granted forgiveness without limit. Can you bring yourself to extend this grace to others as freely as it was given to you? Ironically, when we do not forgive, we hurt ourselves more than the one we are holding out on. Forgiveness sets the other party free, but it also sets us free.

Respond in Prayer

I confess that I hold on to unforgiveness in areas of my life. This damages me and my relationships. Help me, Father God, to identify these areas and choose to let each one go. As I am washed by your forgiveness, help me to wash those I have not yet forgiven. For the sake of Jesus, who went to the cross that I might be forgiven. Amen.

Rob Cornish

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).