18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Have you ever assumed someone else’s debt, paid their bill? If you have, you know it can be a very freeing and liberating experience. It might be something as small as paying for their meal at a restaurant without them knowing it. I imagine that not many of you reading this blog are wealthy, so the thought of paying for someone else is a strain on your budget. But if the Spirit is the One prompting you to do this act, then He will provide. Isn’t that what we say we believe? That our money is not ours, but His? That He owns the cattle on a thousand hills? That He will supply all our needs according to His riches? Well, if we believe this, are you willing to be tested in this area? Paul is challenging his friend Philemon to do just this. Paul is asking Philemon to stretch his faith. It might be like taking over the car payment of a struggling unwed single mom. Or giving monthly to a mission’s cause, instead of enjoying a luxury in your own life. Or giving to the point that it impinges on your lifestyle, not simply giving out of your abundance. Paul was putting his own reputation on the line for the sake of this runaway slave. When was the last time you put your reputation on the line for someone, anyone? Perhaps they need someone, anyone to believe in them, to believe they are different, that they have changed. They need that small step up in order to continue to make the changes they need to make. Notice that this slave did not just walk in and ask for this kind of help. This slave had been willing to work for Paul, to help him out during his imprisonment. Maybe the slave was in prison for a small crime, and stayed around after his release serving Paul. We don’t know the details, but Paul got to know this slave, and was willing to intervene on his behalf. Who are you getting to know who normally you would not associate with? Perhaps God is going to ask you to put your reputation on the line for them. Would you be willing?