Trust The Transformation - Forgiving Others

What would it take for us to trust someone who had stolen from us?

In my life, I have had occasion to ponder this question.

I had a childhood friend who when he became a teenager repeatedly robbed our house until he was caught.

After a number of years he came back around, apologized and we had him as part of our lives again.

We allowed him back into our lives because we had seen some changes in him.

Transformation led us to trust.

There is a similar story in Scripture, the story of Onesimus.

Onesimus stole from Philemon and ran away.

The great thing about his story is that in running away from Philemon, Onesimus ran into the Apostle Paul.

Paul led Onesimus to Jesus and Onesimus was transformed.

Paul writes a letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus and sends both to Philemon.

In verses 10 and 11 this is what Paul writes.

Philemon 10–11 NKJV

10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

Paul is saying that there has been a transformation in Onesimus.

Philemon should receive him based on what God has done in his life.

God is at work in the hearts and lives of others.

We must trust God’s work and not attempt to make others suffer or pay for what they have done.

We can forgive others because we trust the transforming work of Christ in their lives.

It is not easy to do, but we can do it.

Trust God’s work of transformation, and forgive.