The power of love

 ⁷ For I have had great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

⁸ Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, ⁹ yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— Philemon 1:7-9

Philemon was a man of some financial means whose slave had escaped and was now with Paul who was in prison. He had a reputation of being a man of faith who used his home to be the meeting place of the local church. He was a man who was known for is hospitality and taking care of traveling believers who stayed at his house. He was a man of love for God and the church. Paul appealed to him in regard to the status of Onesimus, the slave who escaped who was now a believer in Christ through the ministry of Paul. Paul's appeal was one of love not demanding that Philemon do as he was requesting. Paul could have used his status and position which had authority and power to compel actions from Philemon but instead appealed with an attitude of love that he would consider his request and grant it. The power of love is greater than the power of authority and demands. When relationships are healthy and based in the bond of love making requests is much easier.