An Appeal For Reconciliation

Paul makes it clear that he could command Philemon to make things right with Onesimus but he'd rather appeal to his heart through love. He is appealing to him based upon their relationship and common unity in Christ. He isn't trying to win the argument, He is trying to win a person. He is humbling himself for the sake of reconciliation. If step one in the reconciliation process is A Prepared Heart, then step two would be A Posture of Humility. Reconciliation happens when we appeal to the relationship rather than demanding our way.