Concern for Others

Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his owner, Philemon. For such an action in Roman society, a slave could be punished or even put to death. But an important change had taken place in Onesimus’ life while he was gone.

During his flight, he was converted. As his advocate, Paul wrote Philemon, encouraging him to welcome Onesimus back. He appealed to Philemon, reminding him about the love he showed others. He asked him to remember how he had been so generous and given of his resources to help others.

In that spirit, Paul asked Philemon to think not like a master, but as a fellow brother in Christ, not in legal terms but in the light of God’s mercy and grace. Instead of focusing on his rights, Paul encouraged him to remember all that Jesus had done for both him and Onesimus.

Today, many Christians allow their lives to be dominated by their own interests and forget to submit their lives to God. They think about their own rewards and pleasures and forget to focus on spiritual values or to seek first His Kingdom.

Ask God to help you be more concerned about others than about yourself. Ask God to deliver you from a spirit of judgment and fill your heart with faith, compassion, and love. Dedicate your time, talent, and treasure to influencing others with the Gospel.