Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

Loving Eternally

by Leave a Comment

The apostle Paul really knew how to handle conflict. 

Just look in the book of Philemon. This book is a very personal letter from Paul. It concerns Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon, his master in Colossae. Onesimus ended up in Rome, possibly hoping to become anonymous in that large city. But he just so happens (really? God’s sovereignty at work!) to run into Paul, and became a believer in Jesus as Messiah. 

Paul then writes Philemon to apprise him of the situation, and sends the letter to Colossae via Onesimus! It seems that Paul was sending Onesimus to his death. According to Roman law, Philemon could have Onesimus executed for running away.

Save for one thing.

Love.

I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love…Philemon 9a CSB 

Paul, as an apostle and also a leader in the church, could have commanded Philemon to take Onesimus back (Philemon 8). He could have easily pulled rank on Phil. But he didn’t. Paul let love rule the day. 

Why?

Philemon is a fellow brother in Christ. Now remember, this is the early church, so everyone is a new Christian. Paul sent Onisimus back as an example of what is right, an example for Philemon to follow. Paul was hopeful, based on Phil’s love and faith, that he would do the right thing. 

Paul knew that the church in Colossae had been refreshed through Philemon (v7). He knew that Philemon had experienced the love and forgiveness of Christ in his own life. And Paul knew this: the more you know and experience Christ, the more you want to share what you have received. 

Philemon had received forgiveness, freedom and love. Out of that overflow, Paul was confident that he would extend the same to Onisimus.

Paul also remind Philemo that Onesimus is useful to them both (v9). Again, this is the early church. Paul and the church leaders needed fellow workers. 

“…the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37

Paul didn’t appeal to Philemon as a superior (an apostle of Jesus), nor did he appeal to him on the basis of slave versus free. Paul appealed to him in light of eternity. He knew more workers were needed to spread the gospel, the good news. Paul knew more souls needed saving. And isn’t that the kind of love we should all have?

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Grace and peace to you,

 

 

Do you know Jesus?

14 Ways to Love Your Husband – Part 1

by 4 Comments

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  This week and next, I’ll share with you some suggestions I’ve learned over the years for loving your husband.  I’m not perfect at this. Matter of fact, this post originally published in 2015. I’m bringing it out of the archives, dusting it off, and sharing agin, mainly as a reminder to myself: These are things I need to put into practice, or continue practicing, in my marriage.

1. Respect

In her book “What Men Need Most,” Shaunti Feldhan states “The most important aspect of demonstrating respect: It is a choice.  A choice we make out of reverence for God and love for our husbands. Just as men can choose to demonstrate love toward us even if they don’t feel it at the moment, so we can and should demonstrate respect toward them.”  Choose to respect your husband. Hold him in high esteem. Respect his leadership in your family (1 Cor. 11:3). Respect his provision for your family. Decrease the complaints and increase the compliments. Show respect to him with your body language and actions. Do you roll your eyes when he makes a comment? Do you slam a door or throw things when you’re angry (yes, I have). Let’s stop. Let’s show more respect to our husbands.

2. HUGS, hugs, hugs! Hug your husband frequently! 

3. Listen

In my opinion, this shows the highest respect.  When someone looks you in the eye, and focuses on you while you are talking, you know they care.  Take time to listen to your husband. Listen with your ears, your eyes and your body language.  Show him you care.

4. Encourage

Give your husband some encouragement. Be his biggest cheerleader. He works hard. Give him a standing ovation when he comes home from work. Tell him what a great job he does with repairs around the house. If the yard looks great after he mows and trims it, let him know. Acknowledge his job well done. When you admire what he’s done or how he’s handled a situation, be sure you tell him. These words will go a long way to lift your husband’s spirits: “Honey, you handled that so well!”

5. Pray

Prayer and respect should always be at the top of your list of ways to love your husband. Lift him up in prayer.  His spirit needs reviving as much as anyone’s. Ask him how you can pray for him. Then do it.  Right then (I’m sorely lacking in the ‘pray for him now’ category!). Pray for strength as he leads your family.  Pray for his spiritual growth. Pray that he would be a man after God’s own heart.

6. Hold Hands. Bring a little bit of first love back into your marriage by holding hands.

7. Leave him a love note. Hide it in his computer bag or his sock drawer. What a sweet surprise! 

Be sure to come back next week for seven more helpful hints!

Grace be with you,

Ellen

Do you know Jesus?