1/10/2019
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. —
Ephesians 4:32
Are you easy to get along with? Do you have a good relationship with your spouse or your friends? Then you probably aren't guilty of the following behaviors:
•criticizing instead of praising
•using insensitive words
•neglecting others
•making jokes at another's expense
•not listening
•refusing to admit wrong
•being rude
•belittling others' opinions
These kinds of behavior will wreck relationships and hinder the healing of past hurts.
For a good example of the way to strengthen relationships,
read the apostle Paul's short letter to Philemon, a wealthy resident of
Colosse. The subject is Onesimus, Philemon's slave, who had stolen from him and
fled to Rome. There Onesimus met Paul, who led him to a saving knowledge of
Jesus. The letter is Paul's kind, compassionate appeal to Philemon to accept
Onesimus back—now as a brother. It's a great example of love in action.
Although Onesimus deserved Philemon's punishment, Paul called
him a "son" (v.10) and a "beloved brother" (v.16). He said he would repay what
Onesimus had stolen.
Paul knew how to restore a relationship. Do we?
By Dave Branon