Have you ever written someone off, or thought there’s no way that person will change? At one time, Onesimus was not living for the Lord (v. 11). But God used Onesimus’s time with Paul to bring a great change in his life. It was such a dramatic change that Paul considered Onesimus a spiritual son (v. 10), his own heart (v. 12), and a helpful partner for ministry (v. 13).

Don’t let someone’s past mistakes keep you from seeing what God could do in his or her life. We should not give up on people too soon. They might just need a “Paul” in their lives to show them a better way to live. God can rescue and change anyone, and He wants to do it through the kindness and love of His Church.

Whom can you reach out to who is far from God?