If you're going to "skin a cat," then...

"For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love..."

(Philemon 8)

I wonder how the expression, 'There's more than one way to skin a cat" originated? I mean, WHY would someone actually want to skin a cat in the first place?!? Regardless, the expression reminds us there's always at least one more way to do something. Especially when we're thinking we only have one option!

Paul was one fo the most prolific early church founders. He traveled extensively. Wrote extensively. Preached extensively. And frequently got a lot of people very upset along the way. Which sometimes landed him in prison.

The book of Philemon is actually a letter written by Paul to his friend, Philemon. But it was written while Paul was in prison! Philemon had a slave (servant) named Onesimus. Either Onesimus ran away or he was sent to help Paul... and now Paul is sending him back to Philemon with a letter. In the letter, he's asking Philemon to grant Onesimus some kind of favor (it's kinda vague, either to forgive his previous misdeeds, or to allow him to continue to be of service to Paul, or maybe even asking that he be completely set free... scholars are not quite sure). Whatever the request, Pauls says, in effect, that he could "pull rank" and command Philemon to do what he's asking (because of his authority). But instead, Paul decides to appeal to Philemon out of love.

Such great advice! Whether it's our spouse, children, co-workers, friends, etc., we often COULD "command" (or compel) people to do what we want. But is that always the best option? Maybe we can take Paul's advice, and appeal to them out of love? What's the expression... you'll catch more flies with sugar than vinegar!?! How powerful to be able to appeal to people out of love, rather than use our position/authority to force something.