STANDARD LESSON RESOURCES
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026

February 27

Paid in Full

"So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me." (Philemon 17-18)

Scripture: Philemon 10-21
Song: "Amazing Grace"

I had just given birth was was taken aback to learn that my insurance company would not pay for any of the medical expenses. Why? It was 1977, and I was unmarried. This was an emotional blow and a devastating financial burden. The hospital staff directed me to a special bureau where I could arrange to pay in small increments. What hapened there, however, was not at all what I expected. Instead of drafting a payment schedule, they concluded I could not afford to pay it al all. I learned they were affiliated with United Way and had access to discretionary funds; they said they would pay my entire bill!

The did for me what Paul did for Onesimus when he said, "If he owes you anything, charge it to me." Paul treated Onesimus as aborther. When the hospital bureau gave me this financial gift, I experience an Onesimus moment myself, a moment I would later understand as grace.

One year after receiving the gift, I was employed full-time as a university faculty member and had become financially stable. When I was asked by the dean of the university ot chair the United Way drive on campus - the same fund from which my hospital bill had been paid - I knew it was a divine call. I ended up chairing the drive for three years, and each time we exceeded our goal. It was as if God then whispered to me, "Paid in full."

Father, please enable me to give grace to others unconditionally. After all, that is what makes grace, grace; and it is truly amazing. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.