Philemon 1:7, "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."

In approximately 61 or 62 A.D. Paul wrote a letter to a brother in Christ called Philemon. Although one of the smaller epistles of the New Testament there is much to learn from this single chapter book.

The letter begins by admonishing Philemon for his love and faithfulness in the Lord and his love for all the saints in Colossi.

Philemon 1:10-12, "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels."

Onesimus had been a run away slave, who through Paul's teachings, became a brother in Jesus Christ. A slave who was risking the loss of his life if he returned to his former master, Philemon.

This book refreshes the heart with Paul's intercession on behalf of Onesimus asking Philemon to forgive him through love and mercy as a brother in Christ Jesus.

Through Paul's words we are reminded of how Christ paid a debt He did not owe for a debt we owe but could not pay.