"Philemon"
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home (Philemon 1, 2).
I have only seven days between now and the beginning of Advent (11/30) so I thought I would introduce you to a little known person and letter in the NT by his name: Philemon. It's only 25 verses long, it's the only letter Paul writes to a private Christian, and it's about a singular matter: Paul wants to persuade Philemon to set free his slave, Onesimus.
A lot of history comes down to one person persuading another person to do the right thing. Paul's letter to Philemon is a model of how to persuade another person effectively. Let's watch how he does it.
FYI, scholars think Apphia is Philemon's wife, and Archippus may be their son.
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"Thanksgiving"
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in The Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints (Philemon 3 - 7).
I can't say it any better than this about YOU!
I thank my God always as I remember you in my prayers.
Your faith in Jesus and your love for one another inspires me.
Your keen desire to grow in your discipleship and understanding is wonderful.
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement.
You continue to refresh the hearts of the saints.
God bless you, Dan
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"Persuasive Love"
-- Welcome to the new Trinity United Methodist Church's Daily Scripture Email system.
Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul - an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus - I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. (Philemon 8 - 10)
Paul's letter to Philemon is a model for all of us when we want to try to change someone's mind or position - to use the power of persuasive love rather than autocratic forcefulness. At least, among Christian brothers and sisters this is the way to go, and certainly as the first second and third method with everyone; I suppose there are those instances where like Gandhi and MLKing, one should go to the path of nonviolent resistance, which, in a real sense, was also based on the persuasive power of love. But never the use of violence.
Here's the situation: Philemon was a friend, a co-worker in the work of Christ. He was also a slave owner; Onesimus was his slave. But he also was a dear friend to Paul, and had become as a son to him. As the spiritual mentor to Philemon, Paul could have ordered him to release Onesimus, but, Paul wisely chose the better path, the path of persuasion, which invites and allows the other person the dignity of coming to the right decision him/herself. And everyone wins. That's what's unfolding here.
Bottom line: Practice Persuasive Love whenever possible. Love and prayers, Dan
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