Contemplative Bible Reading

Philemon 1:21 (New Living Translation)

I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!

Note the quiet, easy-to-miss charge Paul states here. Paul has told the person what he wants the person to do. Paul then tosses in this extra statement.

I am sure you will do all this and then do more than I have asked.

Wow. What is going through Philemon’s mind? Whatever it might be, and Paul probably doesn’t know what it is, Paul has said, “Yes, that too. I am sure you will do that too.”

This is something to remember the next time I charge someone to do something for God. And yes, that especially includes the next time I charge myself to do something for God.