I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you & to me. (Philemon 1:10-11). A master had the legal right to kill a runaway slave, so Onesimus feared for his life. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to help him understand his new relationship with Onesimus. Onesimus was now a Christian brother,  not a mere possession.  From his prison cell, Paul had led Onesimus to the Lord. Paul asked Philemon to forgive his runaway slave who had become a Christian while in prison. He even made a request which is beyond forgiveness, & asked Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother. As Christians, we should forgive as we have been forgiven. We should forgive from the heart. The Holy Spirit will help us if we allow Him to. He does not force us. He respects our personal will. God created us as free moral beings. True forgiveness means that we treat the one we have forgiven as we would want to be treated. Is there someone you say you have forgiven, but who still need your kindness? Be there for him. Help him. Accept him. Lift him up in Jesus name. Thank you Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Prayer: Father, help us to be forgiving people. Help us to deal with our offenders with love, kindness, mercy & grace. Holy Spirit, forgiveness has a cost, it has pain, heal our wounds. Help us to restore our broken relationship. Do it in such a way that when the world sees this act of forgiveness, they will be challenged & want to follow You, our God. We understand that forgiveness makes Christianity unique. Thank you Father for hearing & answering my prayer. In Jesus mighty name we pray & believe,  Amen.  Grace & peace be with you.