The Father Heart of God.

“I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers, 5whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.” - Philemon 1:4-7

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, he encourages them based on their display of true faith demonstrated through their love and Christ-dependent lifestyle. One very unique aspect of this letter is the undertone of the Father's heart of God. When he could simply strike and command obedience (as we saw him do through the law of Moses) he instead, by Christ, chooses to compel our hearts by love through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit; that is to obey His appeal. That our joy may be full in Him. God is love and God chooses love. He is a Father. He takes our debt and clears it by the satisfactory work of Christ Jesus. This is why Philemon has the overarching theme of being refreshed. In the Father's heart of God, we are refreshed and renewed. Spend time with the Father. It is not a forceful duty but rather a child's delight to spend time with the Father.