The Letter to Philemon is one of the most beautiful rhetorical letters written by Paul--and yet, at the same time, perhaps the most underread letter in the New Testament. Paul wrote this letter out of love, hoping to persuade the slave master Philemon to choose compassion rather than follow the typical Roman attitudes towards slaves; to treat Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than as an inferior, subhuman chattel. This letter is not only theologically important but also important in a practical sense because it is more than mere words--it is a testimony. In order for readers to better appreciate the true depth of the meanings in the letter, this book is written in a rather creative way. Each chapter begins with a selected scene from the movie Les Miserables, to introduce the key theme of the chapter. Then the author will interpret the details of the text of the letter and the other relevant texts in the Pauline corpus. The final section of each chapter is a creative story, based on the text and historical context. The purpose of inventing these creative stories is to help readers better grasp the historical context and, most importantly, the rhetoric in the letter.

The Letter to Philemon is one of the most beautiful rhetorical letters written by Paul—and yet, at the same time, perhaps the most underread letter in the New Testament. Paul wrote this letter out of love, hoping to persuade the slave master Philemon to choose compassion rather than follow the typical Roman attitudes towards slaves; to treat Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than as an inferior, subhuman chattel. This letter is not only theologically important but also important in a practical sense because it is more than mere words—it is a testimony. In order for readers to better appreciate the true depth of the meanings in the letter, this book is written in a rather creative way. Each chapter begins with a selected scene from the movie Les Misérables, to introduce the key theme of the chapter. Then the author will interpret the details of the text of the letter and the other relevant texts in the Pauline corpus. The final section of each chapter is a creative story, based on the text and historical context. The purpose of inventing these creative stories is to help readers better grasp the historical context and, most importantly, the rhetoric in the letter.

When it comes to disagreement, we are in perpetual fight-or-flight mode. Rather than respond with a posture of compassion and connection, we are encouraged to "resist" others personally and politically. Either we engage in fruitless arguments with people who refuse to see things our way or we retreat to our echo chambers where everyone agrees with us. But the real resistance, the kind that helps us grow, is learning to love others--especially those who disagree with us. If you're tired of seeing your real-life and online communities in turmoil and you long to be an agent of peace, understanding, and reconciliation, it's time to join a new kind of resistance movement--one that pushes us toward personal transformation. Grounded in Scripture and illustrated with compelling true stories, this new book from Ashley Abercrombie will help you gain the confidence to communicate and connect with others, stop avoiding necessary tension, and resolve your internal and external conflicts. When we make love our habitual reaction to the conflicts and divisions in our lives, we'll find that we can stay true to our convictions without sacrificing our relationships.

DO YOU LOVE YOURSELF? Most people have never even asked themselves that question, let alone know how to answer it. This is because we live under a modern plague, where masses struggle to love themselves as God loves them. Very few understand how to love themselves in a healthy way and have no tools to break free from the resistance that blocks them. Jesus said that we are to love our neighbor "as ourselves." Yet that phrase seems to be the most ignored command of the Bible. The fruit of our relationships hinges on our ability to loves ourselves with the love that God has for us. So many struggle in a daily battle that keeps them from the freedom that love has. In this book, Mark will utilize his personal freedom experience and over 20 years working with people to unlock the missing link to powerful relationships. In this book, you will be equipped to move into the power of self-love by: - Learning what healthy self-love is and what it is not. - Identifying the resistance that blocks people from loving themselves. - Observing how a lack of self-love affects every area of our lives. - Unlocking practical ways to gain freedom and to love yourself as God does. - Receiving important tools that you can practice immediately to overcome. - Putting healthy self-love into action to give and receive love powerfully!

Mother Theresa. The Dalai Lama. Nelson Mandela. Gandhi. Some admire such figures from afar and think' How special they are; I could never be like that. But as John Makransky has learned' the power of real and enduring love lies within every one of us. Awakening Through Love is his guide to finding it. In Awakening Through Love' he pioneers new ways of making Tibetan meditations of compassion and wisdom accessible to people of all backgrounds and faiths. Drawing from Tibetan teachings of compassion and the Dzogchen teachings of innate wisdom' and using plain' practical instruction' he helps readers uncover the unity of wisdom and love in the very nature of their minds. Then Lama John describes how to actualize those qualities in every aspect of family life' work' service and social action.

The "New York Times"-bestselling author of the Ascendence Trilogy tells the extraordinary story of a Jewish girl's courageous efforts to resist the Nazis during the occupation of Poland.

Coping with anger and pain is more challenging than ever in these times—and more necessary. Two acclaimed Buddhist teachers offer strategies and wisdom in a book that’s been called “possibly the most inspiring and liberating meditation on love ever written.” When people and circumstances upset us, how do we deal with them? Often, we feel victimized. We become hurt, angry, and defensive. We end up seeing others as enemies, and when things don’t go our way, we become enemies to ourselves. But what if we could move past this pain, anger, and defensiveness? Inspired by Buddhist philosophy, this book introduces us to the four kinds of enemies we encounter in life: the outer enemy, people, institutions, and situations that mean to harm us; the inner enemy, anger, hatred, fear, and other destructive emotions; the secret enemy, self-obsession that isolates us from others; and the super-secret enemy, deep-seated self-loathing that prevents us from finding inner freedom and true happiness. In this practical guide, we learn not only how to identify our enemies, but more important, how to transform our relationship to them. Love Your Enemies teaches us how to . . . · break free from the mode of “us” versus “them” thinking · develop compassion, patience, and love · accept what is beyond our control · embrace lovingkindness, right speech, and other core concepts First published in 2013, Love Your Enemies is, more than ever, required reading for navigating our world. Throughout, authors Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman draw from ancient spiritual wisdom and modern psychology to help you find peace within yourself and with the world. * Includes new prefaces from both authors *