TUESDAY February 4, 2025

Put It on My Account

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
Philemon 17-20

How would Philemon receive the Apostle Paul into his home? I am sure Paul would be received with open arms and a delicious dinner. Everybody would be there to give a special welcome and to honor the Apostle. This is exactly how Paul wanted Philemon to receive his servant. He was to treat him the same way he would treat Paul. By doing this, Philemon’s forgiveness would paint a beautiful picture of God’s love, grace and mercy toward his servant.

Paul did even more. He went the extra mile by willingly taking on any debt that Onesimus owed Philemon. He told his friend, “I will pay it all; put it on my account.” This was so Christ-like. When was the last time you pitched in and offered to pay the cost of someone else’s debt that they could not pay, on your account? Seriously, would you step up to the occasion?

This is exactly what Christ did for us. He voluntarily took upon Himself our sin––our debt: ...having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us ....This he set aside, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14 ESV). In doing so, Jesus cleansed and washed us from all our sins: Our sins are washed away and we are made clean because Christ gave His own body as a gift to God. He did this once for all time (Hebrews 10:10 NLV). This is more than we deserve––amazing!

Paul threw in a quick clause––you owe me, too. He reminded Philemon that, through his ministry, he had also come to Christ and received God’s love, grace and mercy. He hoped to hear back from his friend that he would indeed forgive Onesimus. This willing act of forgiveness and show of love would give Paul so much joy––just to know that all the charges against Onesimus were dropped.

Our sins are debts that none can pay but Christ. It is not our tears, but His blood; it is not our sighs, but His sufferings, that can testify for our sins. Christ must pay all, or we are prisoners forever.
~Thomas Brooks~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!