Paul’s love for Onesimus the runaway slave, is expressed most wonderfully in v12 when he describes him as ‘my very heart’. Paul the strong and determined apostle was also a very tender man. Gentleness and tenderness are greatly needed characteristics in the church today.

Although Paul wants to keep Onesimus to help him in his work, Paul sends him back so not to make Philemon feel obliged to let him stay with Paul (v13-14). Here again we see Paul’s tenderness. He was no manipulator, but he sought to do things God’s way, showing people respect. At times it is necessary to pull back and not to force people to do things against their will. As we do this we need to be praying for God to work in people’s hearts so that they will do things willingly.

Paul sees God’s hand at work in Onesimus’ life (v15-16). Even his stealing and running away God used to bring him to Paul and then salvation. A situation which Philemon saw as only bad, by God’s great power and wisdom has been turned around for good.

Pray for situations you know which are bad, for God to work so as to bring good out of them.