Onesimus was a slave owned by Philemon. He escaped Philemon and somehow ended up connected with Paul. Onesimus served Paul. Paul was sending Onesimus back to his owner Philemon. He writes that he could order Philemon to receive Onesimus but he does not. He simply appeals to him as a man of faith to welcome his escaped slave home as he would welcome Paul into his home. He wants Philemon to offer forgiveness.
When we have been deeply harmed, forgiveness can be very difficult. Our natural desire pushes us to revenge. Yet, God calls us to what is not natural, to forgive. For in forgiving we not only offer grace to the other person, we do something for ourselves.
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