Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd May 2026 – A test on forgiveness
Daily Guide Devotional For Today 22 May 2026 (Friday)
Welcome to Scripture Union Daily Guide Devotional today. As you read, study and meditate, may the Lord Almighty reveal His essence to you in Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd May 2026 Today’s Devotional
Topic: A test on forgiveness
Opening Prayer
Help me dear Lord to meet with you as I meditate on your word in Jesus name
Bible Verse:
Philemon 1-14
Meditation Question
►Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Introduction to PHILEMON
Archipus was their son. This was a private letter written by Paul to Philemon, who had become a Christian during Paul’s time of ministry in Ephesus. Some scholars argue that Apphia was probably Philemon’s wife and since Paul seems to address the letter to them as well (vs.1-2), Paul was in this letter pleading with Philemon (and his family, perhaps) to forgive and restore their runaway slave, Onesimus, who came under the influence of Paul in Rome and was converted.
The name Onesimus means “useful.” Although what he had done almost portrayed him as being useless to his master, but in Christ, Paul was sure that Onesimus has become useful indeed. As we study this letter, may we trust the Lord to add value to the lives of the people around us, who ordinarily may appear to have very little moral values in society! May they encounter Christ through us.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd May 2026 Outline
Philemon was a Greek landowner in Colosse, a church leader and a friend to Paul. Philemon had a runaway slave called Onesimus who later became a believer in Rome through Paul who was in prison and began to attend to Paul. Paul was writing a very personal letter to Philemon, but he includes Apphia and Archippus who were in Philemon’s house, probably to help persuade Philemon to accept Paul’s request. Paul praises Philemon for his faith in Jesus Christ and his love to fellow believers who belonged to the church in his house and other itinerant believers. He encouraged him to do more v.6. Do people in your community and church see and hear your acts of love and faith in God? James condemns faith without works of love in our communities (1:22, 26).
Riding on the goodness of Philemon, Paul makes his request that Philemon may forgive Onesimus who had run away from him. Runaway slaves could be summarily executed when found and who knows Onesimus could have stolen some things from his master. Painful decision for Philemon, a real test of forgiveness. If you were Philemon, what would you have done? Forgiveness for us is unconditional (Matthew18:21-22). What a test on forgiveness!
Prayer: Lord, help me to develop in me a forgiving heart.
A YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
(DAY 142): Psalms 95, 97-99
