Paul’s Plea

Written By Betty Predmore

PHILEMON 1: 1-25

(October 29)

Paul was in Rome under house arrest (about A.D.60) when he wrote this letter to Philemon. Philemon was a Greek landowner that lived in Colosse. He had become a believer through Paul's teaching, and his home was often used for church services.

Being a wealthy man, Philemon had slaves. One of his slaves, Onesimus, ran away to Rome. He met Paul there, and after hearing Paul teach him the gospel, he accepted Christ. He became very dear to Paul, and Paul thought of him as a son.

Paul wanted Philemon to understand the change in Onesimus, and to welcome him back, as he was a good helper for the good news. Paul convinced Onesimus that you don't solve problems by running from them, and that he should return to his master.

It is his hope that Philemon will see Onesimus as more than a slave; that he will now view him as a brother in the faith and treat him accordingly.

Paul is literally asking Philemon to lean into his Christian faith to see someone in a different light than before. He is asking him to see Onesimus, not through his own eyes, but through the eyes of Jesus.

This is Paul's plea to Philemon.

Who have you been looking at through your own eyes, that you need to view through the eyes of Jesus? Who can you change your way of thinking about and see as a brother or sister in Christ instead of someone who might have caused you difficulty or pain?

Paul's plea of long ago is Jesus' plea for us today. To see others the way he sees them, not through our eyes of discontent.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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