Some years ago I worked...
Illustration
Some years ago I worked in an office situation with a woman who was extremely forceful and aggressive. Etta formed her opinions very quickly, and when she wanted something she went after it with all the grace of a bull moose. She frequently got what she wanted, but she didn't make many friends in the process. As a result, she never received anything that she didn't demand. She got what she grabbed and no more.
Richard worked for the same company on the sales force. He had learned all of the manipulative techniques thought to be helpful in making a sale, and he used them on his friends as well as his customers. He would always preface a request with sweet, complimentary language, and when he had you in the palm of his hand, he'd make his request. It was hard to say no to Richard. He, like Etta, usually got what he wanted, but he had very few genuine friends.
As Paul writes to Philemon, his love and affection are genuine. He appeals to Philemon, not through forcefulness or manipulation, but through genuine care for both Philemon and Onesim us. He doesn't make demands of Philemon, but appeals to his sense of goodness and love. Philemon can salvage his own dignity and self-respect because the decision he makes about Onesimus will be voluntary, not forced.
Richard worked for the same company on the sales force. He had learned all of the manipulative techniques thought to be helpful in making a sale, and he used them on his friends as well as his customers. He would always preface a request with sweet, complimentary language, and when he had you in the palm of his hand, he'd make his request. It was hard to say no to Richard. He, like Etta, usually got what he wanted, but he had very few genuine friends.
As Paul writes to Philemon, his love and affection are genuine. He appeals to Philemon, not through forcefulness or manipulation, but through genuine care for both Philemon and Onesim us. He doesn't make demands of Philemon, but appeals to his sense of goodness and love. Philemon can salvage his own dignity and self-respect because the decision he makes about Onesimus will be voluntary, not forced.
