Best practices for a thriving relationship.

In the New Testament, have you noticed that Jesus and his apostles enjoyed a good thriving relationship? You might want to read through the gospels and note what Jesus did for and with his disciples. Perhaps you can add to this list: Jesus talked with them, asked them questions, answered their questions, prayed for them, led them, told them what was going to happen in the future, shared the depths of his heart with them, fed them, encouraged them, taught them, built faith in them, accepted them in spite of their weaknesses, accepted them back when they failed him, spent time with them, equipped them for ministry, forgave them, led them by example as they observed his life, and loved them until the end. What attitudes and acts do you see in Jesus that makes him such a good friend?

Another prime example of a mutually beneficial and thriving relationship is that of Paul and Timothy. Paul shared his life with him, taught him, worked side by side with him, encouraged him to overcome his weaknesses, wrote letters to him, knew his mother and grandmother, was aware of his suffering a stomach sickness, and called him his “son.” Paul shared his heart and commended him to the Philippians:

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.

²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.²¹ For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

²² But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. (Philippians 2:19-22)