Philemon 12-17

International Children’s Bible

¹² I am sending him back to you, and with him I am sending my own heart. ¹³ I wanted to keep him with me to help me while I am in prison for the Good News. By helping me he would be serving you. ¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then any favor you do for me will be because you want to do it, not because I forced you to do it.

¹⁵ Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever— ¹⁶ not to be a slave, but better than a slave, to be a loved brother. I love him very much. But you will love him even more. You will love him as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

¹⁷ If you think of me as your friend, then accept Onesimus back. Welcome him as you would welcome me.