“Therefore, although in Christ Jesus I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.” Philemon 8-9.
Paul was dealing with Philemon about a serious issue. He had the choice on how to deal with it: he could order him on how to act, or he could appeal to him with love. Paul chose love.
It is very easy to demand something from someone when you know you have the authority to do so. You may get what you desire done, but the heart will not be in it. The result of this can be disastrous. This can bring about anger, resentment, and bitterness in the person you are working with. When Jesus spoke, He had the right to demand that everyone follow Him and obey Him. Yet Jesus did not demand, He showed love and appealed for the following of Him on that basis. He desires everyone to follow Him but will not demand it. Jesus wants a relationship, not a robot. Love will make all the difference. Paul had spoke in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the true basis for everything of value.
Today when you are dealing with a situation with someone in your life think about this. Are you demanding? Are you trying to force someone to follow you? Or are you appealing to them with love?
I pray that today every person will work with others out of love; that demands will not be used easily; that God will work in your life to be able to show love in every situation in life; and to put others and God before yourself.
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