past

Is there something from your past you still think about?

Something you did.

Someone you hurt.

Something you took, damaged, or failed to make right.

Maybe you have already confessed it to God.

Maybe you know He forgives those who truly repent and trust in Christ.

But could there still be something you need to do?

A conversation?

A letter?

A phone call?

An apology without excuses?

Or even restitution for something that was lost, stolen, or damaged?

The little book of Philemon raises that kind of question.

Onesimus had run away from his master, Philemon. Then, in God’s providence, he met Paul, heard the gospel, and became a believer.

His life had changed.

But Paul did not simply say, “You’re forgiven now. Forget the past.”

He sent Onesimus back.

That reminds us of an important biblical principle:

God’s forgiveness does not always remove our responsibility to make things right with the people we have wronged.

Of course, we cannot control another person’s response.

They may refuse to forgive.

They may not want contact.

And in some situations, wisdom and safety may affect how—or whether—direct contact should happen.

But we are still responsible for our part.

So today we’re asking:

Could there be something from your past that still needs to be made right?

And could refusing to deal with it be affecting your fellowship with God and your relationships with others?