Men's Ministry Monday January 2 2012

Philemon 1:17-19 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. (18) If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; (19) I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Paul is truly behaving CHRIST-like with regard to Onesimus, the debtor-slave who ran away but is now convicted and saved and ready to return to Philemon [a man of GOD], who he owes. Paul is standing in the gap ensuring a new convert is received as a brother and that any hindrances are removed. In 2012, we need to protect our brothers and sisters. True love with discernment concerns us about the safety of the brethren

We are to do the best in creating a safe environment for the brethren – not just in our presence but going forward outside of our physical reach. This is done by:

1)      Listen intently enough and long enough to discern potential issues as fully as possible

2)      Speaking well of your brother when he is not present

3)      Be considered about hindrances and address them

4)      Give the new convert opportunities to serve

5)      Present your brother as receivable to others

6)      Use your influence to bless and protect

7)      Take the time to pray with and for your brother

Being your brother’s keeper is not cliché, it is active and creates safety. It is love…

Protect the Onesimus-es in your lives…

I love YOU and love you

Brother Jeremy A. Maynard