OF ENDORSEMENTS
“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.” Philemon 1:10-13 NKJV
One of the greatest gifts God gives us is other people. A friend may be the very person God has assigned to unlock your next step of growth, but familiarity blinds you to see it. A spouse may be God’s chosen vessel of counsel and covering, yet because of routine or pride, we fail to honor them in that role. This is not new, Jesus’ own family, who watched Him grow up, struggled to receive Him as the Messiah (John 7:5, Mark 6:4).
In our passage, we encounter Onesimus, a runaway slave who had once wronged his master, Philemon. Under Paul’s mentorship, however, his life was transformed. Paul now sends him back, not as a fugitive but as a brother, vouching for his character and even offering to repay any debt Onesimus may have left behind (Philemon 1:18–19). Paul’s endorsement opened the door for reconciliation and restored purpose.
So it is with us today. We cannot afford to overlook the role of spiritual authority, parents, mentors, or even those who have gone before us in business or ministry. God, in His wisdom, has woven help into human relationships so that none of us fall into the trap of self-sufficiency. Receiving from others, and allowing others to receive from us—is a divine arrangement.
Let us therefore embrace the humility to honor, endorse, and minister to one another with the gifts and influence God has entrusted to us. To withhold this is to deprive each other of a holy opportunity. To walk in it is to glorify Christ, who works through His body. Praise God!
Prayer: Father, I thank you for this wisdom. I thank you for the people whom you bless me through daily, through prayer, relationship, correction and sharing life’s most important moments. May it be said of me that I honored you as I deal with each of these precious brothers and sisters, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Mark 6:4
• John 7:5
• Hebrews 13:17
