The So, Sometimes forgiveness feels impossible. The offense was too

dreadful, the pain is just

today on Truth for Life weekend we'll find out how reconciliation is possible

and why it's necessary

even when holding a grudge is easier and seemingly justifiable

Alistair Begg is considering the Apostle Paul's appeal to a fellow Christian, a man named

Philemon, and to his runaway slave, Onissimus. Gracious God, we pray that you will help us now to live a life that's dependent

on your grace, to preach the Bible in the same manner and to listen to it in the same

vein so that Jesus Christ might be enthroned in our hearts and exalted in our lives to the praise of his name we ask it

amen. I invite you to turn to Philemon, the tiny letter in between Titus and Hebrews, a very important letter

right here towards the end of the New Testament.

V verse 17 so if you consider me a partner welcome him that is onesimus as you

would welcome me if he's done you any wrong or owes you anything,

charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back, not to

mention that you owe me your very self.

I do wish brother that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord.

Refresh my heart in Christ.

Confident of your obedience I write to you knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

And one thing more, prepare a guest room for me because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings and so do Mark

Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, be with your spirit.

Well, I think if we were summarizing the message of this letter, as we've said before, we would employ just one word and the word would be reconciliation.

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