Devotion for Wednesday, September 14 (A Week with Philemon)

For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, 

yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis on love (vss. 8-9)

Invitation and Challenge. Law and Gospel. 

Paul is willing to challenge Philemon to live into his discipleship through the law.; to forgive Onesimus, the runaway slave, and to welcome him back into the community as a brother in Christ. Paul says he is "bold enough" to call Philemon to fulfill his Christian duty.

Yet, Paul says that the he would rather appeal to him through love, through the promise of the Gospel. Instead of compelling Philemon to act out of obligation, Paul wants to change Philemon's heart. He desires for Philemon to see that forgiveness, while offered to Onesimus, ultimately changes Philemon.  And this is the work of the Gospel in our lives.

In our lives of faith, we live with these seemingly opposite realities.  Yet instead of being at odds, black and white realities if you will, they are at their best when the work together.  Our discipleship is not EITHER invitation OR challenge, but BOTH invitation AND challenge.

We are BOTH-AND people.  We need BOTH the challenge that reminds us of our duty under the law AND the invitation to live more fully into grace.  

Loving Christ, helps us love and serve others in all ways. Amen.