Put that on my account

"17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account."   Philemon 17-18    NKJV 

Onesimus was one of Philemon's many slaves. Philemon was a Christian and a very close friend of the Apostle Paul. It appears, that one day Onesimus robbed Philemon and ran off to Rome where he hoped to disappear in the Metropolis. God works in amazing ways though, He met Paul and was converted there and then.

The Law permitted slave owners to execute rebellious slaves. Philemon was angry enough to do so, but he was also very disappointed that Onesimus should do such a thing. The thing is, Philemon was a Christian and it would be a great slur on his testimony. But, if he let Onesimus off, then the other slaves would expect such a thing as well. It was a total impasse.

Paul felt that Onesimus needed to face up to what he had done and go and put it right with his master. Paul was also helping Philemon to grow in love and forgiveness. They both needed ministry. To forgive and receive Onesimus back would have been difficult for Philemon. Put yourself in his place, what would you do?

The facts are not too clear but it seems that Onesimus had left his master as a slave, but he returned as a brother. One thing we do know is that Paul had said to Philemon, that he would pick up the tab for what was owed. He told him to, 'Put that on my account'. Does this remind you of someone? Yes, Jesus; He paid the price of our sin - our debt was placed on His account and we were declared not guilty.

Probably you may be like Philemon because you have been wronged. Then again, you may be like Onesimus because you have failed and made a dreadful mistake. The bottom line is, what are you going to do about it? If you have been wronged, will you point the finger and refuse to forgive, making the person pay for their wrongdoing? Or if you have wronged someone are you just going to sit there and get on with your life, or if possible, will you go and put things right, asking for forgiveness? The choice is very much yours, there's a blessing coming you way if you choose the right one.

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