Philemon (The Daily Walk Bible).

Paul does several things here to point Philemon in the right direction. First, he asks Philemon to rejoice because Onesimus is now a believer and his life has changed: he is now “useful” (11). Next, he asks Philemon to model forgiveness even as he (Paul) models graciousness: “charge me” (18). Finally, he reminds Philemon of the “debt” he owes Paul: his very soul (19)! Consider these passages alongside of Philemon;

Luke 15:3-7 “So he told them this parable: ‘What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you,there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.’ ”

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”