Paul exhorts Philemon as a "BROTHER" that Paul
would "have joy (PROFIT) of thee in the Lord", so that Philemon would "refresh my bowels (AFFECTIONS)
in the Lord (Philemon 20)
This exhortation underscores Paul's MINISTRY SACRIFICE
in being willing to send Onesimus back (Philemon 12-13), so that his return would be DOUBLY PROFITABLE ("BOTH in THE FLESH,
and in THE LORD") to his master (Philemon 15-16)
Paul expressed to Philemon, "CONFIDENCE in THY OBEDIENCE"
by having the ASSURANCE that Philemon "wilt DO also MORE THAN I SAY" (Philemon 21)
This willingness to express CONFIDENCE IN a brother's
OBEDIENCE and to have the ASSURANCE OF a brother's FAITHFULNESS is the ESSENCE OF that DIVINE "charity (LOVE)"
(I Corinthians 13:4), which "thinketh (CONCLUDETH) NO evil" (I Corinthians 13:5)
and instead "believeth (TRUSTETH) ALL" and "hopeth (EXPECTETH) ALL" (I Corinthians 13:7)
Paul lastly makes REQUEST of Philemon for himself concerning
his "LODGING" should the Lord grant Philemon a visit from Paul in ANSWER to "your (Philemon's) PRAYERS"
(Philemon 22)
Paul was always FERVENT IN PRAYER for opportunities to
have FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SAINTS, so that there would be a MUTUAL BENEFIT FOR ALL (Romans 1:9-12)
It is the Lord's desire that we bring ALL THINGS TO HIM
IN PRAYER (Philippians 4:6) FOR THE WELL BEING OF ALL HIS PEOPLE (Ephesians 6:18)