Ok, I do not know the title of the sermon that Rev Andum Sustrino shared in church today, but I am deeply moved by his message. It encouraged me to look at people with the love of God and to treat them kindly.

First, read the letter Paul wrote. It is the book of Philemon, but it is only a page long.

Prologue: Philemon was a leader of the church in Colossea (whose people are the Colossians). He himself was brought to Christ and taught by Paul. Onesimus was his slave (common during the Roman Empire), who likely stole from Philemon and fled to Rome. He likely was caught and jailed, and by chance/God�s plan, met Paul in jail [Paul was already jailed & this letter was one of the letters he wrote while in prison]. There Paul brought him to Christ, which transformed his life. Onesimus wanted to follow Paul, but Paul sent him back to Philemon and wanted Onesimus to seek his forgiveness. Onesimus brought with him a letter from Paul to Philemon (this letter), where Paul requests (you could even say �beg�) Philemon to take back Onesimus with love. Philemon could do anything, as master of Onesimus, for Roman law allowed for masters to have full control over their slaves.

Intro: Paul prayed for Philemon to be active in sharing the faith. Faith is meant to be shared! No one keeps faith to themselves. If you have comprehended God�s immense love for you, it is only natural that you want to pass it on.
Faith also isn�t head knowledge but in action. Later, Paul asks Philemon to take action; that is, to receive Onesimus back. Referring to the Singapore context (or Barker Road Methodist Church context), we have no lack in head knowledge. We study a lot, whether it is the Bible or the books when we go to school. But have we put our knowledge to use? Have we lived out our faith by living in an honourable, righteous, loving manner? Some guiding questions: when was the last time you ever:
� Gave up a seat on the bus or MRT for someone who needed it more?
� Stood up against the world for God�s views?
� Held your tongue instead of lash out?

Sometimes, I look at some of my fellow Christians and evaluate �If they did not tell anyone that they were a Christian, would another person be able to tell that they are? Does anything distinct them?� I certainly pray that the answer for them would be �yes�.

Body: Paul is of higher authority than Philemon, having been his teacher, and was a leading figure in the early Church. Paul could have commanded Philemon to take back Onesimus. But instead, Paul appeal Philemon. He did this because he loved Philemon. He lowered himself in this discourse to Philemon�s level. This contrasts with Paul�s other letters where he establishes this authority as a church leader.

There are times when we should settle disputes with authority. But there are times when we could use love instead. How do we settle conflicts with family, friends, colleagues etc.? Especially in people relationships, the best way and most gentle way to resolve a conflict is to use love. Because I love you I will bend down to your level. I did this and that because I love you. I will say sorry and admit that shouting at you was wrong, because I love you. (I do admit that �sorry� is the hardest word to say and my prideful part of me still feels the pinch when I try to say sorry.) Remember, Jesus loves us, and he loved us before we loved him. That should give you some encouragement.

Paul also appealed instead of commanded because he did not want to disrupt the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus (verse 14). Moreover, he wanted Philemon to spontaneously forgive Onesimus. This forgiveness was to come from within Philemon instead of being forced by Paul. Refer to my paragraph on the intro of this letter.

Lastly, Paul asked Philemon to love Onesimus with no fear and no limits. This is a clear demonstration of how we should love others. Paul almost begs Philemon to take Onesimus in. He, an old man, wrote the letter with his very own hand and promised to pay Philemon whatever Onesimus owes him. He asked Philemon to love Onesimus, from a slave, to a dear brother in the Lord instead (verse 16). Paul loved Onesimus so much, he wanted Philemon to do likewise.

At times, I do hold back my actions. It is better not to interfere, as the Asian/Chinese mentality goes. We don�t say �I love you� often. We don�t dare get too emotionally involved. We put ourselves first, sometimes, for self-preservation. I am, however, trying to continuously let go and put others first. For some it comes easier than for others. But some of us need a constant reminder that we should love all-the-way without limits, the same way God loves us, and to thereafter pluck up the courage to do so. I am a coward when it comes to these sort of things, I admit.

Epilogue: Philemon took Onesimus back. Philemon became a martyr, while Onesimus became a bishop. Their lives were changed after they met Paul, who brought God�s love to them. Hallelujah.