silhouette of person standing near trees — Photo by Nathalie Désirée Mottet on Unsplash

Today we're diving into some powerful thoughts about love, forgiveness, and the end of running in our relationships. Tina Turner once sang, "What's Love Got to Do with It?" Well, I'm here to tell you everything!

Love isn't just a second-hand emotion; it's the very essence of life. It fights off death, extends our years, and heals broken relationships. That's exactly what we see in the book of Philemon--the shortest book in the Bible but packed with a punch.

Picture this: Paul, the fiery apostle, now mellowed with age, writing from a prison cell. He's penning a letter to Philemon about a runaway slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had done wrong—maybe he stole, maybe he lied—but he'd found Christ through Paul. And Paul? He's asking Philemon to take him back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

That's a tall order, folks. In those days, runaway slaves faced death. But Paul appeals to Philemon's love, saying, "I want to benefit from the fruit of your relationship with the Lord." Wow! That's powerful stuff.

Where do you fit in this story? Are you Onesimus, still running from your past? Or are you Philemon, struggling to forgive? Maybe you're called to be like Paul—an arbitrator, helping to restore broken relationships.

I remember when I was 17, I caused a terrible accident while driving drunk. My friend Michael was badly hurt, and I was facing serious charges. But Michael's mother? She chose forgiveness. She gave me a second chance that changed my life forever.

So, I ask you—who are you holding captive by withholding forgiveness? Your running days are over, my friends. It's time to make room in your heart for God's love and forgiveness.

Remember, we all need love. If you're feeling lonely, even getting a pet can extend your life! But more importantly, open your heart to God's love. Let Him give you the strength to face difficult relationships and navigate the path of forgiveness.

Your running days are over, folks. It's time to embrace love, extend forgiveness, and watch how God can transform your life and the lives of those around you.

Thanks for reading. Please share with a friend or two. Thank you.

Excerpted from my book “Dealing With Difficult People.” [[Check out my Masterclass on surviving difficult relationships.]]

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