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Philemon 1-21
This brief letter to Philemon is an appeal through love (v. 9). Even as Paul acknowledges that there are alternative ways that we can express his authority, he chooses an approach of compassion.
Acting with love is Christlike; yet, even as we choose to live and love like Jesus, we cannot control how another person will respond to us. Jesus teaches us to live with bold, radical love toward everyone:
38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.39 But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well.40 When they wish to haul you to court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too. 41 When they force you to go one mile, go with them two. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t refuse those who wish to borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you 45 so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same?48 Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete. (Matthew 5:38-48, CEB)
Each of us have someone whom we find it challenging to love as Jesus loves. Think of that person now, and pray for her/him.
[Art credit: http://dwellingintheword.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/693-philemon/]
