This Series, God of Second Chances, looks at stories in the Bible in which God gives people second chances, and it invites us to reflect on God's mercy, patience, and loving character.
We are not bound to the decisions we make out of fear. God restores us no matter what we have done. We must be willing to turn back and trust Him.
We never know how God will use the situation. Sometimes we must be open to the way God will change others, which will then lead to a change in our own lives. God's providence opened the door for restoration by allowing Paul and Onesimus to be together after the breach of trust between Onesimus and Philemon. Providence is a key attribute of God because it points us to the way God will accomplish His great goal of restoration for al who will respond accordingly.