"Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you – being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ – I appeal to you for my son, Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains..."
Philemon 8-10
Paul is in his senior years. In his younger days, he might have exerted his authority as an apostle and commanded Philemon to obey (see II Thessalonians 3:4, 6, 10, 12, 14). Now his request is couched as an appeal, based in a relationship of love. An authority figure might give orders, and people might obey from threat of punishment, or duty and obligation, but still have a rebellious heart. If the obedience is from a heart of love, everyone is happier. There are times when commands are appropriate (as in the military or with Mildred's dog, Skeeter, where there is no love lost). Even God had to give commandments because of the hardness of peoples' hearts. But I hear Jesus' appeal, "Come unto me, all you who are weary," and I respond out of heart of love.
Today's Thought: In a love relationship, appeal is better than command.
Have an "appealing" day. (Get the pun?) Love you.
Philemon 8-10
Paul is in his senior years. In his younger days, he might have exerted his authority as an apostle and commanded Philemon to obey (see II Thessalonians 3:4, 6, 10, 12, 14). Now his request is couched as an appeal, based in a relationship of love. An authority figure might give orders, and people might obey from threat of punishment, or duty and obligation, but still have a rebellious heart. If the obedience is from a heart of love, everyone is happier. There are times when commands are appropriate (as in the military or with Mildred's dog, Skeeter, where there is no love lost). Even God had to give commandments because of the hardness of peoples' hearts. But I hear Jesus' appeal, "Come unto me, all you who are weary," and I respond out of heart of love.
Today's Thought: In a love relationship, appeal is better than command.
Have an "appealing" day. (Get the pun?) Love you.
No comments:
Post a Comment