Text: Philemon 1-20
Forgiveness is one of the most valuable assets that we acquire in life, forgive enriches us, free our souls of many produce evils and spirituality and holiness.
The most perfect fruit of love is forgiveness (v.1-7). Philemon was a man who had great love for God and others, encouraged and stimulated his love to all, however it was necessary that this love is manifested in a greater degree, forgive his slave Onesimus, who had fled home, taking money. Not enough to love those who love us, we must love even those who hurt us. To forgive one must believe that evil has been a good (v.8-16). Paul tries to help Philemon to take a positive view of the situation, makes him see that Onesimus has become a Christian and is now a useful person, and perhaps for that God allowed him to suffer this evil. Makes him see that God wants to forgive and receive back. We believe that there is a good behind every evil and therefore not correct to hold a grudge for what God has used to do his will (eg Joseph and his brothers). To forgive is to remember that we are not perfect (v. 17-19). Paul reminds Philemon that he too was a debtor who owed him many favors, and that therefore he should forgive Onesimus, and in any case, if you had a debt to cash it for them, and what put your account. Nobody is blameless, one has needed to be forgiven and aided by others, we must do the same for those who have let us down. Forgiveness brings joy (v.20). Paul says that Philemon's forgiveness was going to produce much happiness. Forgiving generates peace and joy to everyone, forgiving, who receives the pardon and the entire community. Forgiveness is the best way to become instruments of peace and love. Cheer up, you can always forgive, not our strength but God's.
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