Philemon, Verses 17-20: Put That on my Account

Philemon, Verses 16-19: Put That on my Account 

Philemon is not one of Paul's instructional books on Godly living.  One might even wonder why it is included with his other letters.  Yet, every book in the Bible is important.  Even this seemingly irrelevant book taught me a valuable lesson. 

In verses 8-21, Paul speaks of his fellow believer Onesimus.  In verses 16-19, Paul mentions that Onesimus owes Philemon money.  Paul shows compassion for his friend and "brother" in Christ.  He says to place all of Onesimus' wrongs and financial obligations on his own account.  He is willing to take on His friend's debt.

May we all have such compassion and do what we can to "Bear... one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2).

How much more so Jesus took on our debt of sin out of His amazing love for us!  He paid our price with His precious blood and death on the cross!  (Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.) 

 (Philemon, Verses 17-20) If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 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. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.