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In week four of his series “High Five,” Pastor Ryan Heller challenges us to develop relationships of total commitment.
You can’t win big if you don’t go all in. Many people want to make small investments in relationships and get big payoffs but actually the opposite is necessary.
Three Components of Committed Relationships
1. Openness
That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do… Philemon 8 (NLT)
So if you consider me your partner, give him the same welcome you would give me if I were coming. Philemon 17 (NLT)
A friend loves at all times… Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
2. Obligation
But because of our love, I prefer just to ask you. So take this as a request from your friend Paul, an old man, now in prison for the sake of Christ Jesus. 10 My plea is that you show kindness to Onesimus. I think of him as my own son because he became a believer as a result of my ministry here in prison. Philemon 9-10 (NLT)
If he has harmed you in any way or stolen anything from you, charge me for it. I, Paul, write this in my own handwriting: “I will repay it.” And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! Philemon 18-19 (NLT)
No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (HCSB)
When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. 4 Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NCV)
3. Optimism
Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. Philemon 1:11 (NLT)
I know you well enough to know you will. You’ll probably go far beyond what I’ve written. Philemon 1:21 (Message)
Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NCV)
Some friends don’t help, but a true friend is closer than your own family. Proverbs 18:24 (CEV)