Meet Teri Vedrenne

As a child, I had an audio tape with a dramatization by a woman and her puppet of a story behind the book of Philemon. Because of the tale she told, the mention of the name Onesimus even now brings to mind a thief and runaway slave, although these were just assumptions on the part of the tale-teller. We don't know the exact story of what occurred between Philemon and Onesimus.

What we do know is that the story is real. The lives of these three men intersected, and there was something that caused a rift or lack of trust between Onesimus and Philemon. And we know that Paul felt compelled to step in and encourage reconciliation.

Paul's appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus makes me pause to consider -- who would speak for me? Am I known in such a way that someone would be willing to put their own character on the line for me (verse 17)? Would someone be willing to pay my debt (verse 18)?

I think that even more impressive than Paul's willingness to speak for Onesimus is Paul's confidence that his words will be heard by Philemon and taken to heart. "Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say" (verse 21). Paul had invested in relationships to such a great extent that he was able to bridge the broken relationship between others he loved, without fear that he would lose a friend in the process. Doing what God called him to do was worth the discomfort of the moment.

Remaining pleasant and aloof often seems much safer and more comfortable. However, this is not what God calls us to experience. So often, my desire for peace and harmony far outweighs my desire to share truth in obedience to God. I remain silent, unwilling to inconvenience myself to defend another. I am thankful that there are others who have not been afraid to speak into my life and even step into the gap on my behalf when I could not represent myself effectively.