How Christian Love Works: An Example
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 leads him to Christ.
- He is concerned about Onesimus’ safety and welfare.
- Do you seek the welfare of others?
3. Christian love deals fairly with others.
“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 the forgiveness of the offense.
- Paul is willing to take 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?
Photo Source: Image by khamkhor from Pixabay
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License by Jimmie Aaron Kepler. This is an original devotion written by Jimmie Aaron Kepler on March 19, 2012.
