LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. v.25 Grace comes to us through the saving work of Christ. The true source of grace, God’s unmerited favor, reaches sinful humanity through the sacrificial work of our Lord Jesus Christ. “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
God’s grace in Christ has brought us infinite benefits. In turn, we should treat our brothers and sisters in Christ with grace and generosity. We need to regard each other as we truly are: members of the family of God. The delight of having the unmerited favor of God directed toward us is the greatest blessing we could ever receive. We can experience the blessings of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ daily. The privileges of grace allow us to enjoy our fellowship with Him, and we realize that “every good and perfect gift” we receive from Him each day is all our hearts could desire. What blessings the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ has brought us! How vast and lasting are the benefits of that grace for us now and forever! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ removes barriers of culture, social status, and nationality. Relationships are established across all social spectrums, transforming our lives and hopeless relationships into loving friendships that will last forever. Those relationships based on grace through faith are so deep and profound that they will last eternally. Summary Three principles are conveyed in this personal letter from an older brother to a newer believer. Christian relationships are founded on love - "I beseech:" authority - Paul was a prisoner of Jesus Christ, a long-time laborer in the work of the Lord, and an older man nearing death; and on life within a spiritual Christian family with a "son" and a "brother." Another principle is Christian partnership grounded in labor. In Philemon's case, the church met in his home, where hospitality and prayer flourished. It also involves profit. A person who may seem unprofitable doesn't always remain that way. They can minister to others, fostering mutual trust. A third principle is Christian fellowship rooted in love and faith in Christ, who granted us salvation. Those who have received that grace desire the word of God and seek to obey our Lord. Christian fellowship is also directed toward the saints as we interact with them by encouraging, bearing burdens, and providing spiritual support. We show fellowship to each other by demonstrating confidence in our brothers and sisters, extending hospitality, removing barriers, and showing grace without reservation.