Day 14 of our 25 Days of Advent devotional series
We're back with Day 14 of our 25 Days of Advent devotional series. To Quickly recap, Advent is the preparation period for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. To prepare, we are partaking in daily devotionals until Christmas Day. With that said, let's jump right into today's devotional.
Before we start today's devotional, let us read Philemon 2:8- 17; in these verses, Paul provides an excellent example of how to deal with conflict. We hope to enjoy this time with family and loved ones during the holiday season, but not every family has a harmonious history. Some of us may be facing issues within the family, but many desire a united family front. In this scripture that we read, Paul shows us how to deal with conflict as Christians, and although Paul is talking to his friend Philemon about how to deal with his runaway slave Onesimus. We can take a few pointers from Paul's approach when dealing with any family discord during this holiday season.
As Christians, we are to forgive others and lead with love, so trust must first be built when reconciling conflicting parties that are separated or mediating a dispute. Notice the steps Paul used in the scripture to build trust:
He first identified with those involved, calling Philemon brother and Onesimus son.
Paul requested not ordered—Philemon to do what was right. Then, he sought Philemon's voluntary consent to do what was right, not his submission to rules or authority.
Paul then appealed to Christian love, not power to authority.
Finally, Paul even agreed to absorb any cost for restoration.
Instead of overusing power or position, Paul's approach to rebuilding a trusting relationship was to build trust, to lead with love, and he even went to the extent of offering to pay any costs associated with Philemon's slave running away. As Christians, we are to model Christ's love as Paul did: to build trust, forgive, lead with love, and inspire others to do the same.
I know many different family dynamics can be more severe than others, so if you are facing a tricky family dynamic, you can take your family into prayer and ask the lord the best way to approach your specific family dynamic. You can also use Paul's approach as a guideline.
Let us pray.
We have concluded day 14 of our 25 Days of Advent series. As your sister in Christ, I hope you have a fantastic holiday season. Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful day.
