Philemon - The Kindness Policy

God sets a “tone from the top.”  God is patient.  But He does not suffer fools lightly; jerks have a very short tenure on His team.

        As Jesus' followers, He expects us to do the same.  Christian organizations should be known for their cultures of kindness and godly behavior.  Sadly, that’s often not the case.  In our “niceness,” we often overlook the ill-treatment of people because we are scared of confrontation.  That is not God’s style.  And it shouldn’t be ours.  

Sometimes, as Paul shows in this short letter, we have to ask for what we want and clearly set our expectations.  You'll notice here that Paul's ask is not for himself.  Paul has a big favor to ask in terms of Philemon giving up his rights against Onesimus (Philemon’s former slave).  This is much more than a reference letter for Onesimus.  It is a code of conduct for the Christian household, nay, for the Christian community.

God’s consistent character is that of a Rescuer from slavery and bondage.  God sets a tone and expectation that His people (the church) are to be instruments of freedom (Jeremiah 34:17), not bondage.  We are to set people free.  Never tie people up in legalism or servitude.  As is inscribed on the Liberty Bell, we are to proclaim liberty in the land - Leviticus 25:10.

This letter to Philemon reminds us of the eternal consequences of our behavior.  We all have souls - the place or being where our heart, mind, and spirit combine.  Our souls have an eternal destination.  This letter reminds us of our weighty responsibility.  God our Savior, is the one who rescues us from this evil world and promises us eternity with Him.  God in turn gives us the responsibility, like Philemon, to put into action the generosity and love that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ.  Once we’ve experienced the new birth and new life in God - God’s grace, we then show kindness and grace to others.  

Our generosity, our love, and our kindness come from the washing away of our sins and the gratitude we have for our Savior.  In God’s economy, we are not rewarded for exercising our rights, for demanding compliance with what is owed to us, and for remedying injustices, trespasses, and damages against us.  God’s grace transcends the injustice we’ve suffered.  It is an honor to suffer for Jesus Christ.  It is an honor and a privilege for the Christian to give up a right and to forgive and extend grace to others.  It is our kindness, mercy, patience, and love that show how much we understand God’s grace.

God sets a tone for His people of always being ready to do good and to always be prepared to give an answer as to what Jesus has done for us: and always with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

        The secular business world gets it - at least in terms of cost-benefit analysis.  Frankly, it is easy to see the cost of allowing egoists and rude people to create a toxic work environment.  Enron and many organizations are monuments to the need for a no-jerks policy.  For Christian organizations, it is simply the Golden Rule.  We have a Kindness Policy (that requires we remove the jerks) because that is the tone that Jesus sets for us.

No one will remember you well for how mean you are, how sarcastic and biting you can be, and how well you hammered the other side to get some short-term “win.”  People will remember how you stood up for those who needed help, how you went to bat for others, and how you gave time and sacrifice to mentor and promote others - just like Paul does here.

No one really cares how many games you win or what have you.  What they care about is your character.  They will remember your kind words, your mercy and grace and love - but always with truth - never compromising God’s truth and righteousness.

Your kindness refreshes the hearts of God’s people as they see you put God’s love into action.  When Paul says that Philemon owens him his very soul, he means that it is Jesus who saves, but we, as Jesus’s people are God’s agents.  We share the joy of bringing new life to others.  We are God’s soldiers sent to sacrifice and serve others.

You see here the need to build deep relationships.  The letter to Philemon would not have been possible without the deep love, affection, and common purposes between Paul and Philemon (and the others meeting in Philemon’s house).  Make a commitment today to intentionally build relationships.  Join a small group.  Join a choir.  Invite someone out for coffee today and ask great questions.  Be willing to yield to others - for Jesus.

Honor a man’s rights, consent, and free will (verse 14), but appeal to the highest of laws, the Law of Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your kindness.  Thank you for loving us.  Thank you for the tone that you set with Your apostles.  Thank you for how Paul modeled that tone with those that he mentored.

        We are unworthy of your love and kindness, yet so thankful for it.  Help us today to set an expectation of kindness, gentleness, and respect in our conversations and in the operation of our organizations.  Please help us to put into action the generosity that comes from our faith in You.  Amen.

Liberty Bell