I rather urge you out of love

“Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ to order you to do what is proper, I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus.” (PHMN 1: 8-9)

There is quite often a dilemma in our lives: “to order you to do what is proper” or “urge you out of love.” When we receive orders, we are required to do them, but when we are asked “out of love,” we are free to do them, and when we do them, we are answering also “out of love.”

“I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” (Gospel Acclamation)