Runaway

Faraway Paul in prison space

Told an affectionate friend to think

Of his runaway slave, a new believer

As he did – a son and, a son of God.

 

The Apostle Paul did not give an order

To accept Onesimus, a useful man

The elder presented a heartfelt plea

Instead of a cold, direct command.

 

As the letter was read, did listeners revile

Or quietly consider the change in a life?

Lost to found, slave to saved

Now a brother beginning again.

 

How do we view change in a life?

Do we give it a chance, ask God to bless?

Prayer and example are ours to give

Erasing the judgment that might have been.

 

Earliest known fragment of the Epistle to Philemon, 250 AD.  Wikipedia