Philemon

Daily Devotional from Philemon--

Verse 18

If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it.

I love in this little letter how Paul is acting on behalf of Onesimus—who was once a bondservant—meaning he was working a debt off. Paul is asking for his freedom and stating that he will repay any debt he owes Philemon. Isn’t that the Gospel? Just as Christ paid our debt, we too have a beautiful opportunity to redeem the burdens of others through radical generosity.

In our society, it is so counterintuitive to go out on a limb for someone in need, but Jesus has called us to love and care for the poor, the orphan, and the widow. Radical generosity also doesn’t always mean money—sometimes it’s time, a service, or vouching for someone.

So today, think about who Jesus has called you to be radically generous towards.

Annika Sullenger