GOD'S LETTER TO THE STANDER
Did you know there is a book of the Bible written specifically for you? Standers and prodigals are so close to the Lord’s heart that He devoted an entire book pleading with you to receive your prodigal back just as you would receive Him.
Which book you ask? Philemon. This is a very short book in the New Testament that can be read in full in a matter of a few minutes. I encourage every stander to read it. Paul, the author, is appealing to his friend in Christ, Philemon, for him to receive back Onesimus. Onesimus was a runaway slave, just as your prodigal may currently be a slave to their sin.
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains…I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. Philemon 1:10,12
Onesimus, while in prison with Paul, had become a follower of Christ. Just like you and the Lord desire for your prodigal to return to Him while in the far country. Now he is being sent home! Onesimus is so lovingly referred to as his very heart. Are you prepared to receive your prodigal spouse as the Lord’s very heart?
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me…I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Philemon 1:17-19, 21
If you consider Jesus a friend, welcome your spouse as you would welcome Jesus! If you feel your spouse “owes you†for any pain or sorrow — forgive and charge it to Christ. He is our vindicator and redeemer and promises that He will pay us back. Do we not owe Him even our very lives as He has saved us from sin and death?
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Are you obeying the Lord’s command to forgive your spouse as the Lord has forgiven you? Or have you let bitterness and unforgiveness take over your thoughts and heart? When the Lord saves your prodigal and sends them home in answer to your prayers, will you still be waiting with open arms ready to receive them? Or have you given up your stand because circumstances have appeared to worsen? Make the decision today to obey the Lord and stand firm, ready for when the Lord suddenly sends your prodigal back home!
Maybe you have been struggling and asking God why this has happened, why your spouse has left, what is His plan and purpose in all of this pain and how can it be turned for good? Pray this short prayer today, based on Philemon 1:15-16 with your prodigal’s name, and let it quiet your heart and strengthen you to persevere in prayer for your prodigal’s salvation and return home.
Perhaps the reason _______ has been separated from me for a little while was that I might have him back for good—no longer as a slave to sin, but better than a slave, as a dear brother/sister in Christ. _______ is very dear to me but even dearer to You Lord.
Appealing to you on the basis of love,
Liz in New York
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Did you know there is a book of the Bible written specifically for you? Standers and prodigals are so close to the Lord’s heart that He devoted an entire book pleading with you to receive your prodigal back just as you would receive Him.
Which book you ask? Philemon. This is a very short book in the New Testament that can be read in full in a matter of a few minutes. I encourage every stander to read it. Paul, the author, is appealing to his friend in Christ, Philemon, for him to receive back Onesimus. Onesimus was a runaway slave, just as your prodigal may currently be a slave to their sin.
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains…I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. Philemon 1:10,12
Onesimus, while in prison with Paul, had become a follower of Christ. Just like you and the Lord desire for your prodigal to return to Him while in the far country. Now he is being sent home! Onesimus is so lovingly referred to as his very heart. Are you prepared to receive your prodigal spouse as the Lord’s very heart?
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me…I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Philemon 1:17-19, 21
If you consider Jesus a friend, welcome your spouse as you would welcome Jesus! If you feel your spouse “owes you†for any pain or sorrow — forgive and charge it to Christ. He is our vindicator and redeemer and promises that He will pay us back. Do we not owe Him even our very lives as He has saved us from sin and death?
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Are you obeying the Lord’s command to forgive your spouse as the Lord has forgiven you? Or have you let bitterness and unforgiveness take over your thoughts and heart? When the Lord saves your prodigal and sends them home in answer to your prayers, will you still be waiting with open arms ready to receive them? Or have you given up your stand because circumstances have appeared to worsen? Make the decision today to obey the Lord and stand firm, ready for when the Lord suddenly sends your prodigal back home!
Maybe you have been struggling and asking God why this has happened, why your spouse has left, what is His plan and purpose in all of this pain and how can it be turned for good? Pray this short prayer today, based on Philemon 1:15-16 with your prodigal’s name, and let it quiet your heart and strengthen you to persevere in prayer for your prodigal’s salvation and return home.
Perhaps the reason _______ has been separated from me for a little while was that I might have him back for good—no longer as a slave to sin, but better than a slave, as a dear brother/sister in Christ. _______ is very dear to me but even dearer to You Lord.
Appealing to you on the basis of love,
Liz in New York
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
