4 Philemon, each time I mention you in my prayers, I thank God.
5 I hear about your faith in our Lord Jesus and about your love for all God's people.
6 As you share your faith with others, I pray that they may come to know all the blessings Christ has given us.
7 My friend, your love has made me happy and has greatly encouraged me. It has also cheered the hearts of God's people.
8 Christ gives me the courage to tell you what to do.
9 But I would rather ask you to do it simply because of love. Yes, as someone in jail for Christ,
10 I beg you to help Onesimus! He is like a son to me because I led him to Christ here in jail.