Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Philemon 1:8-16.

 

“Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—

 

I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.  I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel;  but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will.  For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”  Philemon 1:8-16.

 

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Paul’s appeal is gentle and humble.  “I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus”.  “Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you … but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will”.

Likewise, we see the gentleness and humility of Paul’s writing to the Corinthians about a topic that normally would be much more forceful and bold.  Paul said:  “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

We are reminded of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.

On this Labor Day, when we might be tempted to think we should be forceful and proud to get what we want, let us meditate on being gentle and humble.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”  Galatians 5:22-26.