The Gospel brings about a change of heart, which changes everything else! The book of Philemon is the only book where the Apostle Paul does not explicitly share or declare the Gospel. But the Gospel is definitely the background and indeed the subtext of this amazing little letter. In this letter we see the wisdom of Paul in dealing with a difficult interpersonal conflict. This conflict has its roots in a very complex and unjust social structure that was established in Roman culture. Paul's answer is not to attack the social structure, but instead to remind each of the readers to consider the implication of the Gospel: That in Christ, there is not male or female, Jew or Gentile slave or free. That in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. How, then, could we not give to others the same freedom that Christ died to give to us. Rather than rely on a harsh command, insisting on compliance without heart change, Paul appealed to Philemon for love's sake, based on the heart change that only the Gospel can bring. In a time with complicated issues separating people, Paul appeals to us to approach our relationships with the Gospel and the example of Jesus as our guide. The Gospel sets us free from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and the fear of death. This gives us the power to love and do good; not as a means of getting our freedom, but as a result of having our freedom.