How can we "welcome" others as Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus? Philemon 1:17—A Personal Appeal “So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.” Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus—a runaway slave—as if he were Paul himself. The Greek word for “receive” (proslambanō) means to draw someone to oneself, to accept with warmth and friendship. Why Gospel Welcome Matters • Christ welcomed us first: “Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7) • We were strangers made family: “So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:19) • Jesus identifies with the welcomed: “I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.” (Matthew 25:35) Practicing Gospel Welcome Today 1. See each person through Christ’s worth, not past labels. – Galatians 3:28 shows our equal standing in Him. 2. Open your home and schedule. – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.” (Hebrews 13:2) 3. Speak words that affirm identity in Christ. – Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that gracious words bring healing. 4. Shoulder real costs. – Paul offers to cover Onesimus’s debt (Philemon 1:18–19); true welcome may involve time, finances, or reputation. 5. Restore broken relationships. – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18) Overcoming Barriers to Welcome • Pride—remember the debt Christ forgave (Colossians 2:13–14). • Prejudice—confess and replace with truth that all bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27). • Fear of inconvenience—trust God’s provision (Philippians 4:19). • Past hurts—embrace forgiveness modeled by the Father of the prodigal (Luke 15:20–24). The Fruit of Welcoming Others • Unity in the body (Psalm 133:1). • Growth in love and maturity (Ephesians 4:15–16). • A living testimony to unbelievers (John 13:34–35). • Joy in reflecting Christ’s heart (Acts 20:35). |
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