On the Basis of Love

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer About Formerly “Useless” People

     Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—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 and to me. Philemon 8-11

     Dear Jesus, what a great story these few verses tell—the story of how one man’s “useless” slave became another man’s beloved son. Stories like this make the gospel beautiful and believable. I see myself in this story… both as Onesimus and as Philemon.
     Jesus, thank you for not giving up on me… for coming after me when I was running away from you as fast as I could, just like Onesimus ran from Philemon. Overtly and covertly, I did everything I could to avoid you and ignore you. But you found me and bound me to your heart with the cords of the gospel. And, slowly-but-surely, you’re changing me. The journey from slavery to sonship hasn’t always been easy.
      I also know what it’s like to be Philemon. I’ve been failed and hurt. I’ve been betrayed and suffered loss. But forgive me for labeling anyone as “useless.” Paul saw something in Onesimus that Philemon didn’t see. Jesus, you saw something in me that no one else saw. Please give me your eyes. Let me see what you see in others.
     Who have I branded “useless”… either with my actual words or unspoken words?  Who have I written off? Who have I unwittingly named “failure”… “worthless”… “you’ll-never-amount-to-anything”… or “never-to-be-trusted-again”?
     I know we are to be wise, but I also know we are to love others as you love us. In our churches and in our families, write powerful stories of redemption and restoration. Bring rebellious prodigals home. Melt the heart of self-righteous prigs. Demonstrate the wonder of your reconciling love. No one is beyond the need of your grace and no one is beyond the reach of your grace. So very Amen, I pray, in your chain-breaking name.