“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” (Philemon 1:17-18).

Onesimus was a runaway slave. He was, of course, running away from slavery. He was running away from his former master, Philemon. He was also running away from his past. The original language translated, “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything” literally means “If he has…and he did.” Apparently, he had stolen from Philemon on his way out of town.

While running away from his past he ran into the apostle Paul in Rome. He found two things when he met Paul. He found a friend who accepted him as he was and he found His Savior, Jesus. Paul led him to Christ.

The beauty of this story is that Paul reconciled him with his past. Paul sent Onesimus home. Yet, in this cover letter Paul reminded Philemon that his runaway slave was coming home as a brother. Onesimus wasn’t just restored, he was elevated.

What about Onesimus’ guilt? After all, he hadn’t just run away but he had stolen from Philemon. Paul said, “Charge it to me.” Onesimus went home without guilt. That is a perfect picture of salvation. Jesus sends us home to our Father and He sends us guilt-free. All our sins and failures were charged to Him on the Cross. When we open our hearts to Jesus we hear God say, “Welcome home.” And we return without guilt. That is more than restoration to what we once were; it is God raising us to an honored place in our heavenly family.