Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer. Philemon 1
I have two friends who are sons of an old acquaintance of my father. The eldest of these brothers is a critic of everything and everybody. Whenever a name is mentioned, if he knows that person, he begins listing all of their negative attributes, and relates experiences in which he remembers that person acting in a negative or unkind or foolish way. The younger brother could not be more opposite. He genuinely likes people, and the mention of a name usually causes him to express thankfulness for knowing that person, and citing some incident in which he enjoyed that person’s company. You can easily guess which of those two brothers I prefer spending time with. We all enjoy the company of someone who speaks well of others. In fact, only gossips and scandalmongers like to hear the dirt about everybody. Paul was no gossip or scandalmonger. He was liberal in his praise and appreciation of others. He sets a nice example for us.
Paul knew Philemon well, and had spent time in his house. He knew the man’s household and his family, and had learned to love and appreciate Philemon. This Colosse saint had many good qualities that we see as we read the rest of this short epistle. So Paul lets him know how much he appreciates him and how much he loves him. If you or I were receiving this letter, Paul’s words would certainly warm our heart. Such expressions of affection and praise from a great apostle such as Paul would have meant much. It would also mean much to have such expressions from any dear friend. But, some might say, Paul was looking for a great favour from Philemon, and might have been ‘buttering him up’, as the saying goes. I don’t think so.
It is true that Paul had a special request for Philemon, a request that carried a significant cost for Philemon. His request for the forgiveness of Onesimus was large, and it might be better for Philemon to be in a good mood before hearing it. But let us consider that Paul, in writing this epistle, was being guided by the Holy Spirit, because this letter was to become part of the canon of Scripture. Nothing that Paul would write would be with any ulterior motive or would be false or misleading in any way. His love for Philemon was genuine, and so was his appreciation of Philemon’s efforts in support of Paul’s service for the Lord. And so, Paul expressed himself sincerely to a good man worthy of receiving praise.
Paul’s example is before us now. Do we let people know how much we appreciate them and care for them? We should. – Jim MacIntosh