Are you easy to get along with? Do you have a good relationship with your spouse or your friends? Then you probably aren’t guilty of the following behaviors:

• criticizing instead of praising
• using insensitive words
• neglecting others
• making jokes at another’s expense
• not listening
• refusing to admit wrong
• being rude
• belittling others’ opinions

These kinds of behavior will wreck relationships and hinder the healing of past hurts.

For a good example of the way to strengthen relationships, read the apostle Paul’s short letter to Philemon, a wealthy resident of Colosse. The subject is Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, who had stolen from him and fled to Rome. There Onesimus met Paul, who led him to a saving knowledge of Jesus. The letter is Paul’s kind, compassionate appeal to Philemon to accept Onesimus back—now as a brother. It’s a great example of love in action.

Although Onesimus deserved Philemon’s punishment, Paul called him a “son” (v.10) and a “beloved brother” (v.16). He said he would repay what Onesimus had stolen.

Paul knew how to restore a relationship. Do we?