You cannot SOAR with unresolved issues that keep coming up.
Today we still looking at the book of Philemon and we are taking our nuggets from the character of Paul in this book.
Onesimus had come in contact with Paul and converted to Christianity under Paul's ministry, serving him while he was in prison. Onesimus was doing really well taking care of Paul and helping him wherever he could.
But when Paul found out that Onesimus was a runaway prisoner from one of his own spiritual children Philemon, he had to do something to repair and restore the relationship.
He wrote a letter and sent it to Philemon with Onesimus asking Philemon to forgive and embrace Onesimus no longer as a slave but as an equal partner and brother in ministry.
Paul used wisdom and tact to address the conflict between these two men because they were both equally important to him and the ministry. He also knew that without unity, there would be no blessing.
THINK ABOUT THIS:
If there is any unsolved conflict or disagreement in your life, you cannot SOAR.
So what did Paul do?
1) Although Onesimus was very useful to him in prison, Paul had to forgo his own needs for the sake of unity and peace.
2) He did not demand, even though he could have. instead, he made an appeal out of love to Philemon to do the right thing.
3) He used his relationship with Philemon as good leverage to restore Onesimus.
4) He recognized and acknowledge Philemon's leadership over Onesimus and requested his consent. He did not go above and usurp Philemon's authority.
5) He took on the debt of Onesimus, taking ownership of someone else's conflict
Doesn't that sound like what God would do? or did for us?
If you want to take off, fly high and soar, do not overlook issues around you that can do more damage later because you failed to address them.
HERE'S MY QUESTION FOR YOU:
Are there issues with people in your life that are still unresolved? Do what Paul did, reach out, and take ownership and leadership.
I pray that God will give you the wisdom to do the right thing, the right way, and at the right time.
REMEMBER:
You cannot SOAR with unresolved issues that keep coming up.