Philemon 1:20 NKJV — Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

Philemon was a man Paul had witnessed to. He subsequently come to know the Lord. Paul had blessed him and was considered his spiritual father.

Paul at this time was petitioning him to do something he didn’t want to do at first. Through a written request, Paul presented to him why he should do the thing he asked Philemon to do. He was certain in the end his request would be successful.

Paul’s heart was refreshed because of his friend doing the right thing. Think about someone in your life today. Maybe this person has hurt your feelings. Maybe this person has wronged you. In the end, Jesus wants you to forgive them. If you are wondering why, then think of Jesus hanging on the cross for you. Why did He choose to do so? Simply out of His love for you.

Follow Jesus’s example and let the spirit of forgiveness shine through you today.