1.   Christian love is thankful for the best in others.

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers” – Philemon verse 4 KJV

• Do you pray for your friends?
• Are you more concerned about what you can get from your friends than what you can do for them?
• Are you thankful for your Christian friends?

2.  Christian love seeks the welfare of others.

“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: ” – Philemon verse 4 KJV

• Onesimus is a slave.
• He had run away.
• Paul lead him to Christ.
• He is concerned about Onesimus’ safety and welfare.
• Do you seek the welfare others?

3.  Christian love deals fairly with other.

“Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:” – Philemon verse 12

• Paul sent Onesimus back to his owner.
• He interceded on Onesimus’ behalf.
• He is concerned about following the law and Onesimus’ welfare.
• Do you deal fairly with others?

 4. Christian love bears the problems of others.

“If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;” – Philemon verse 18

• Paul pleads for forgiveness of the offense.
• Paul is willing to takes responsibility for whatever Onesimus may owe his master.
• Do you bear others burdens?

5. Christian love believes the best in others

“Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.” – Philemon verse 21

• Paul tells Onesimus that he believes in him.
• He tells him he knows he will do his best.
• He encourages Onesimus.
• Do you encourage and really believe in your friends?

This is an original devotion written by Jimmie A. Kepler on March 19, 2012.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License by Jimmie Kepler.