The Two Realities We Struggle With Forgiveness. - 15% of believers have never offered unconditional forgiveness to someone else. - 38% of believers have never received unconditional forgiveness from someone else. - 27% of believers can identify someone who they do not want to forgive. - 23% of believers can identify someone who they cannot forgive. Why is this such a problem? - We live in a broken world and come into contact with broken people daily while being broken ourselves! Who is Philemon? - When was the letter to Philemon written? - Colossians 4:7-9 - Philemon 1:1-3 Understanding Roman Slavery - Colossians 3:11 The Gospel is all about the removal of barriers. - The ground is level at the cross. - All are equal because of the work of Jesus. Both Philemon and Onesimus go on a journey to forgiveness. - Onesimus goes from a Traveling Transgressor to a Returning Recipient. - Philemon goes from a Miffed Master to a Benevolent Brother. We find ourselves in one of the two realities often. What is more real than the two realities? - Our one Good and Gracious God. Forgiveness is not a personal issue, it’s a Gospel issue. Next Step: Prayerfully consider this week if you are in one of the two realities