Paul had a need for assistance while he was in prison, and he had the authority to keep Onesimus with him for that reason. Instead, though, Paul chose to send Onesimus to Philemon because of some previous arrangement. This tells us a couple of things about Paul. First, we learn that Paul is highly respected in the Christian community and he knows it. He doesn't come across as a snob, but he is definitely confident in his position. Second, it tells us that Paul prefers to put the needs of others ahead of his own even when his needs probably outweigh theirs. Instead of keeping Onesimus for himself, which would have been completely justified, he took Philemon's needs into consideration and sent Onesimus away.
Are we willing to give up something that we really need for the benefit of someone else? Are our relationships that important to us?
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