“Therefore, although in Christ 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. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you.” – Philemon 1:8-9

When I check social media feeds, I can often find an abundance of arguments. People are arguing over abortion, homosexuality, gender, creation vs. evolution, and a whole host of other things. Normally there are contrasting videos posted alongside each other, or public debates. Now, I usually have no problem with the conclusions of those arguing the Christian perspective; I know abortion is murder, homosexuality is a sin, there are only two genders, and God created the universe. The issue I have is the approach that is often taken. It is almost always one of conflict, with the main desire being to win an argument and prove a point.

In Philemon chapter one, the Apostle Paul is in a situation where he has the authority to command the church to do the right thing. But instead of commanding, he appeals to them on the basis of love. He is essentially saying, “I am appealing to you on the basis of my love for God and my love for you. I would hope that you respond and do what is right out of your love for God and your love for me.” I sometimes wonder how much more effective we would be if, as we speak with the authority of God’s Word, we also appeal in love. We need to let people know that we desire for them to do right, not simply because we can command it based on the authority of God’s Word, but also because we love them…and God loves them too! Sometimes we have to stand and proclaim, “Thus saith the Lord!”, but let’s always begin with love.

Almighty God and loving Heavenly Father, teach us to speak with Your authority and Your love in perfect harmony as we share Your Truth with those around us.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon