LOVE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH IT
PHILEMON 7-9 NKJV
7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—
I think it was Tina Turner who sang, What's Love Got to Do With It? In our verses for today, we can answer her question.
Paul is writing a personal letter to a wealthy friend and partner in ministry. In this letter, Paul mentions love. And his words give us some insight into the impact love can have.
In verse seven, Paul speaks of the joy and consolation he had because of the love of Philemon. Another way of saying that is more literally thanksgiving and comfort.
There was thanksgiving and comfort because Philemon's love had refreshed the hearts of the believers. So we can see that one quality of love is that it refreshes people that encounter this love.
The opposite of refreshing would be draining. We all know people who can be draining to be around. When they leave your presence, you are more tired than before they came.
Usually, these are the people pulling on you for something. Or they are so self-absorbed they are oblivious to the needs of others.
But contrast that feeling with someone who lifts you just by being around them. May their tribe increase!
Another component of love is that love does not demand. Paul said he could have been bold in Christ and commanded Philemon. Evidently, Paul had a place of spiritual authority in Philemon's life.
However, Paul appealed to Philemon, and Paul used the phrase for love's sake. So we can ascertain that love does not push and demand. Love asks and appeals.
APPLICATION:
Walking in this kind of love was the commandment that Jesus gave us before the cross.
Much more than a feeling, this love is an action. This love is refreshing, not draining. This love appeals and is not pushy or forceful.
If you have ever thought that this God kind of love is weak and spineless, you may want to reconsider. It takes spiritual strength to refresh others. And it takes spiritual strength to handle authority as well. Love has a lot to do with how we are to live and please God.
PRAYER:
Lord teach me to walk in love. To be a person who refreshes others.