Analysis Of Paul's Letter To Philemon

In the words of Pastor Terry Hill when asked about his opinion on issues that may send some souls to to Heaven and others to Hell, "I will always lean towards mercy and grace.” Philemon is a perfect example of a man learning to reflect Christ in how he chooses to counter culturally give mercy and grace. We as believers are all a part of the same body and thus receive the same status of sons and daughters. Sadly, this equality is not always displayed as it should be. Paul's letter to Philemon shows us as children of God to respect each other instead of conforming to the societal norms of slavery.
Although Philemon was a slave owner, he was still valued in the eyes of God as a son and to Paul as a brother in Christ. Despite being the shortest
letter Paul wrote, the book of Philemon's importance is certainly not measured by its length. The letter sought to calm Philemon as his runaway slave, Onesimus, returned home. Because the law gave Philemon every right to punish Onesimus, the master's mercy exhibits how the Lord forgives us even when we don't deserve it.
I am thankful that I possess the spiritual gift of mercy, but I won't lie‒sometimes it is hard to show it. In today's world, we are surrounded by sources that teach us to have an "eye for an eye” mentality. Only by being filled with the radical love of Christ can we hope to extend grace to others in this life. Paul's letter sums up Jesus' love overpowering the law in one verse: (New International Version, Philemon 18) "If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”