Biblios Hokku - Philemon

I have always found this an interesting book.  If you have never read it, go do so now.  It’s really quite short.

Paul writes to Philemon, not to instruct him in church work, but to encourage him to take back a slave who ran away.  Apparently after Onesimus (who’s name means “useful”) robbed and ran away from his lawful master, he found Paul, who helped him find the Lord.

Paul sends him back to Philemon with a request that he receive him “as you would receive me”

Quite a strong lesson in forgiveness, and mercy. 

PHILEMON
Forgive and forget.
Receive him as you would me.
For he is useful.