That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.

Philemon 1:8

Lessons from the letter Philemon

• Intercede like Christ
  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
  Romans 8:34 (ESV)
• Value others like Christ
  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
  Galatians 3:28 (ESV)  
• Forgive like Christ
  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
  Ephesians 4:32
• Reconcile like Christ
  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
  2 Corinthians 5:18 (ESV) 

Even in our present circumstances there is always hope.

Paul never gave up hope that he would one day get to Rome, and he had hope that he would one day leave Rome.

One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
Philemon 1:22

Use any influence I have for good.