February 8, 2012

Philemon 1:4-7

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”

Remember that time when someone got you real upset??? You know what I’m talking about. That time when that girl said something to piss you off and that other time when that guy almost got you heated in an argument. You just wanted to slap them!!! O_o But something stopped you from doing it…What was it?

There could be many things that stopped you. Maybe it was your pride, maybe it was the fear of getting in trouble, maybe it was just typical self-control. Your parents raised you not to do that. But how about doing it for a different reason? That is, refraining from doing that because you don’t want to give a negative testimony as a Christian and follower of Christ? So many people forget that people are always watching us, our reactions, to see if Christianity attracts them. It would just be horrible if we repelled them away just because of how we felt in the moment. Paul in this chapter, knew that Philemon could be upset with a runaway slave that returned (Onesimus); so he pre-advised Philemon to not react in a manner that would put off a new convert even though he might be upset with him for running away. You might think, it’s too hard to maintain my composure when people get me so angry all the time!!! But what if I told you, there was a way that you could refrain from doing that w/more ease? That it wasn’t as difficult to maintain your composure? Wouldn’t you want a chance at that? If so, the Holy Spirit is a master at self-control and temperance. Invite Him to help you today. I’m sure He’ll be more than happy to oblige. I’m already on my way, slowly but surely 8-)