MONDAY January 27, 2025

Beloved Family and Friends

To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house....
Philemon 1-2

Paul began to greet more of his beloved friends in the faith––fellow laborers and fellow soldiers. It is believed by some that Philemon, Apphia and Archippus were one family, and the church that gathered together met in their home. There was a closeness, a bond of fellowship between them all. In some cases, these relationships in Christ are closer than blood relatives.

Philemon’s name in the Greek language means “friendly” or “loving.” Paul’s beloved friend in the faith was going through a hard trial because his slave had stolen from him, left in a hurry, and fled to Rome. Can you imagine his emotions and all he was going through?

Think of all the people that you and I have met and communicated with over the years. We have developed many close friendships. We also have close ties with our immediate families. Yet somehow, over the years, a wedge between people develops. An argument or something that hurt someone’s feelings caused a breakup, or friends or family members separate, they are no longer speaking with each other. It is so sad when people are no longer speaking with each other.

Seriously, we only have one life to live, and yet so many people––parents, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces––have grown apart. Some even hate each other. In their hearts, there is a deep-rooted bitterness. Longtime friends have become bitter enemies. They used to be so close, but now they are distant from one another. Think of all the years people lose out––years of love and fellowship. Think about it. Some people are so stubborn that they die in their bitterness.

I pray this little Epistle will speak to your heart and help you to make things right with someone who has hurt you. May God help you to forgive.

God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
~Max Lucado~

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