It is right for us to say to each other, “I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart.” (v. 20) How do we do this? We live out our doctrine, and by so doing, we tell again the story of the love of Christ, rich and free. Doctrine tells the story of the Gospel. Living by it shows the Gospel. 

One key reason Philemon must do something with this letter is because Paul didn’t just send him this note about Onesimus: he sent Onesimus himself with it. And as it is with any relationship, it is going to cost Philemon something.

Philemon is one of Paul’s most personal letters, and it is both humbling and powerful in what it reveals about how Jesus Christ changes our lives—especially in how we treat each other and see ourselves.