“. . . I appeal to you on the basis of love.” Philemon 9a
Have you ever been asked to do something that the world might call crazy or naïve? Many times as believers we are called to do just that.
The words of appeal above come from a letter the apostle Paul wrote to his dear friend and fellow worker Philemon. Philemon’s slave Onesimus had apparently stolen from him or wronged him in some way and then run away. After that, Onesimus met Paul and became a Christian and was then ready to return to Philemon and make things right between them.
This is where Paul came in. He acted as an agent of reconciliation, appealing to Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as if he were welcoming Paul himself (read the book of Philemon for the entire beautiful story told in just twenty-five verses).
In other words, Paul said, if you love me, forgive and welcome him. More than that, the implication here is also an appeal to act out of love for Christ—to extend the love that Christ himself would extend.
I wonder if there are any situations in our lives right now where the Lord might be saying, “I appeal to you on the basis of love . . .” Has someone wronged us or someone we love? Or maybe a person noted for bad or even criminal behavior has recently come to know Christ. Many times our first reaction is to say, “Yeah, sure.”
But what would the Lord have us do? I think his message to us would be the same as the one Paul sent to Philemon so many years ago—if you love me, forgive and welcome him.
How can we do any less than offer forgiveness when the Lord has extended unconditional love and forgiveness to each of us? Let’s do what he wants us to do. And let’s do it on the basis of love.
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
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*Flickr photo by Pink Sherbet Photography
Another thoughtful post, Cheryl. I love the story of Philemon. What a picture of Christ!
I think the Lord led me to your blog today because this post was something I needed reminding of. Thanks So Much!!
There’s a situation or two or three in my life right now that requires forgiveness. In these cases, no one is asking for forgiveness which makes it a bit harder for me.
Still, I must afford grace, even as I have been graced. I suppose I’ll spend the rest of my life learning to love the most excellent way. Can I ever get to the bottom of Christ’s love?
Blessings, sister.
~elaine
Thanks so much for commenting, ladies. Alicia, so glad this post was the reminder you needed. What a blessing to hear! And Elaine, praying for you now as you practice forgiveness in difficult situations. Only by his strength, right?
Cheryl,
“If you love me, forgive him…” –hmm. That’s powerful, isn’t it? Thanks, Cheryl.
Regarding your comment on my site, yes,nature inspires me to worship God too– so much!
Have a wonderful week. How are your daughters doing? I was delighting in being a daughter just today.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Jennifer, Kristin and Kelli are doing well. I will get to see both of them for Memorial Weekend and am so looking forward to it. Love spending time with them!