Jesus is First, Then Love and Forgiveness
Sunday’s Verse:
From Philemon 6ESV
"I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ."
Philemon is one of the shortest books in the Bible, but it teaches one of the deepest truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul, while in prison, wrote this personal letter to Philemon about Onesimus, a slave who had run away from his master Philemon. Onesimus became a believer in Jesus, and Paul makes the case for Philemon to welcome him back, not as a servant, but as a brother in Christ.
This short letter has deep meaning for us because it reminds us that Jesus is first in our lives. We are not our social status, our past failures, or any other human divisions. The Gospel reconciles us to God, and it reconciles us to one another. In Christ, faith in Jesus is first, and our guide for how we view our neighbor.
It is so easy in our lives to fall into those other identities first. To be defined by our role on this earth, by past hurts, or by grudges we hold on to against one another. But this letter reminds us to look to Christ first. When Jesus is first, forgiveness and love will come. The cross of Jesus unites us and makes us brothers and sisters.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus Christ, You have reconciled us to God through Your cross and called us into a family of faith. Help us to see one another through Your eyes—no longer divided, but united in You. Strengthen our faith, so that love may abound in all we do, to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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