BIBLE READING: Philemon 1:13-16
We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Sometimes we need to complete unfinished business before we can move forward toward new opportunities in life. Some of us may have left trails of broken laws and relationships—things we need to address before moving on.
Our new life does not excuse us from past obligations. While the apostle Paul was in prison, he led a runaway slave named Onesimus to a new life in Christ. Then Paul sent him back to his master, even though Onesimus faced possible death for his offense. Since his previous master was a friend of Paul’s and a Christian brother, they hoped that Onesimus would be forgiven.
Onesimus carried a letter from Paul to his master, which read: “I wanted to keep [Onesimus] here with me. . . . But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. . . . It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother. . . . If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me” (Philemon 1:13-16, 18).
Before we can move ahead to a new future, we must face the unfinished business of the past. This includes offering to pay back what we owe, coming clean before the law, and going back to the people from whom we ran away. We can’t assume forgiveness from people, although we can hope for it. In some cases we may be surprised to find pardon and release from the bondage of our past.”
Excerpt From: Tyndale House Publishers. “The Life Recovery Bible NLT.
We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Sometimes we need to complete unfinished business before we can move forward toward new opportunities in life. Some of us may have left trails of broken laws and relationships—things we need to address before moving on.
Our new life does not excuse us from past obligations. While the apostle Paul was in prison, he led a runaway slave named Onesimus to a new life in Christ. Then Paul sent him back to his master, even though Onesimus faced possible death for his offense. Since his previous master was a friend of Paul’s and a Christian brother, they hoped that Onesimus would be forgiven.
Onesimus carried a letter from Paul to his master, which read: “I wanted to keep [Onesimus] here with me. . . . But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. . . . It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother. . . . If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me” (Philemon 1:13-16, 18).
Before we can move ahead to a new future, we must face the unfinished business of the past. This includes offering to pay back what we owe, coming clean before the law, and going back to the people from whom we ran away. We can’t assume forgiveness from people, although we can hope for it. In some cases we may be surprised to find pardon and release from the bondage of our past.”
Excerpt From: Tyndale House Publishers. “The Life Recovery Bible NLT.
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