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That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. 

I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 

But because of our love, 
I prefer simply to ask you. 
Consider this as a request from me - Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:8-9 NLT
Paul still hasn't got to his request yet, but he says I've actually got some spiritual authority here, I can show you from scripture what's right, what you should do.
However.
It's the strength of our relationship that I want to influence you. 
We can have a head to head convo, but it's the heart that's important.
Our relationship matters.
It's like Paul is showing us God's heart for us here...yes there's the law.
However.
It's the strength of our relationship that the I Am wants to influence us, change us, move us. 
God made it personal when He entered the story as a person, with all our limits and frailties. 
"But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you"
What is it today that our God is gently asking?
Or maybe today, you just need to hear the first part, be reminded, "becuase of our love".
You are, in fact, dearly loved.
#philemon
#aroha

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