DON'T BURN THE BRIDGE

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Text: Philemon 1:10

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

We have more teachings today telling people to cut off relationships that are unproductive in their lives. While this may be sensible sometimes, it is not helpful most times.

Though wisdom will demand that you should know when a particular relationship has expired or when it is staled, yet you must see to it that you do not deliberately kill a relationship that you ought to maintain or restore.

For one reason or the other, Onesimus had left or fled from Philemon, his master. Some bible commentaries had accounted the reason for the break in relationship to theft. 

Apostle Paul met Onesimus in Rome, preached to him, and got him converted.

Paul the Apostle now wrote to Philemon, appealing to him to restore Onesimus who once was unprofitable to him, but now is profitable to  both of them (Paul and Philemon).

It is possible that a one-time unproductive  relationship in your life can someday become productive. Hence, *It is better to switch certain relationships into sleep-mode, than outright shut down. For you do not know when your unproductive Onesimus can become productive.* 

Brother Mark for which Barnabas and Paul had a sharp contention, later became a productive fellow to Apostle Paul who had once rejected him. (Acts 15:37-40).

Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy asking him to take Mark, and bring him with him because he (Mark) is profitable to him for the ministry. (2 Timothy  4:11).

You must be careful how you burn relationship bridge in your life.*It is better to stop plying a certain bridge (relationship) because they are no longer productive for now, than burning them down. Such may be the only bridge to your next level tomorrow.

Bible  Reading:

Ruth 1:7-22.

*PRAYER FOCUS* 

1.) Father God, please grant me the grace and patience not to burn the bridge that ought to take me to my next level in Jesus name.

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