NEW PEOPLE
Today's reading:  Philemon

How do you respond to new people? 

Are you courteous?  Do you introduce yourself?  Friendly?  Do you look forward to finding common ground with them and developing a new friendship?

Okay, how do you react to people who have been made new in Christ?

Their pasts have not changed.  What they said/did to you in the past has not been undone.  They look the same...except for their hearts.

"He is no longer just a slave, he is a beloved brother, especially to me.  Now he will mean much more to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord."  Philemon verse 16 NLT

Paul is writing to his friend Philemon in regards to Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus.

Onesimus escaped Philemon's home and ended up in jail with a certain missionary named Paul.  What a turn of events!

While in prison, Onesimus became a Christian.  Like Paul.  Like Philemon.

What an opportunity for God's grace to abound, wouldn't you say?

Might you have the same opportunity today?