This post is Day 4 in a series of studies about “Philemon”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Philemon – Day 4

Philemon 3

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Thought

We are staying with yesterday’s verse for one more day in order to think about the difference between grace and peace. There are just about double the examples of peace in the Bible than there are of grace, and for most of us peace is more easily understood. In worldly terms it means the absence of war, or the absence of noise. We can feel peace in the countryside or in certain places we visit.

But Jesus talked of His peace which the world cannot understand. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).

So for this Son of God peace was the opposite of fear. Jesus wanted His disciples to be able to step out of their worldly situations and feel His peace, whatever their circumstances. He wants us to do the same. His peace has been given and it is up to us to receive it.

In this letter to Philemon, Paul is passing on to his friend the Grace and Peace that only God can give. He is trying to explain to this church leader that in every situation Jesus’ peace is available if we ask for it. That often means stepping back from the frustrations of the moment, taking a breath and allowing God’s word to influence whatever we are concerned about. Philemon needed to come to a place of peace in his heart and mind, before facing the challenge of Onesimus the runaway servant turned believer.

Action

Think today about anyone who has hurt you in the past. Are you able to forgive?

Ask God’s help in whatever needs to be done. His grace and peace is available through Jesus whatever our situation.


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