Forgiveness

Philemon
I just noticed that I had to revise the last day of the reading plan to ensure that I indeed read the whole bible in the 9 months.  So today's reading included Esther 7-10, Proverbs 17, Philemon (the whole book), and Luke 20:9-26.  That's it!  We have finished the journey!
I would just like to comment briefly on Paul's letter to Philemon.  Paul requested that Philemon welcome back a runaway slave who had become a Christian while he was away from Philemon.  The outcome isn't clear, as we are only privy to Paul's request, not Philemon's response.  However, we know the right response - welcome back the one who wronged you with open arms, especially since Onesimus (the runaway slave) was repentant.  We must extend grace to those who have wronged us, just as Jesus did.  Even if they aren't requesting forgiveness, we should respond in grace and love.  This may have been a tough ask for Philemon, and for us, and we'll have to rely on God's strength to help us make that move.  Just remember though, it can be done!

Proverbs
Just a side note on Proverbs 17:17, which says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."  I never saw the connection between the two parts of the verse before, but now I have realized something.  When it says that a friend loves at all times, there should be a focus on the fact that a good friend is with you not only in the good times, but also in the bad.  Since a brother is "born for adversity" that means that the brother will be with you in troubled times, like a friend is.  I'm not sure why I didn't clue in to this before now, but there you go.  It pays to re-read your bible!