Desiring God · Does Commanding Ever Serve Love? Philemon 8–14, Part 3

1. 1. Paul's appeal to Philemon, rather than a command, aimed to ensure Philemon's goodness in accepting Onesimus was voluntary and authentic, stemming from love.
2. 2. The existence of numerous commands throughout the New Testament contradicts the idea that commanding is always antithetical to authentic love.
3. 3. Paul explicitly instructed Titus to use commands and rebuke with authority, demonstrating that such actions are sometimes pastorally appropriate and not inherently anti-love.
4. 4. Biblical commandments are not contrary to love; instead, they are summarized by and intrinsically linked to the command to love.
5. 5. Jesus' command to "love one another" is unique because it's a call to love *from* the experience of being profoundly loved by Him.
6. 6. Jesus elevates His followers from slaves to friends by sharing divine knowledge and demonstrating ultimate love, even while retaining His unique authority to command.
7. 7. Whether to command or appeal, the overarching goal in leadership, parenting, and ministry is to foster internal transformation and genuine joy in doing good.
8. 8. Parents must use commands to instill an understanding of ultimate authority in their children while also employing appeals to encourage intrinsic motivation from love.