CLOSE SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

Romans 16:5-7  Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. (NIV)
 

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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Gospel ministry is not an academic teaching exercise; it is highly relational. The Apostle Paul revealed his genuine affection for those who learnt from him and worked with him, identifying with him in the ministry. Although he did not know the believers who met in Priscilla and Aquila's home, he was longing to see how they had grown in Christ, through his teaching passed on by these two Christian leaders. Epenetus was the first person to be converted in what is now Western Turkey, and Paul saw him as the 'firstfruits' of the gospel there. These people were precious to Paul and through them the gospel would spread further.
 
Paul strongly affirmed those who did not stop because of difficulties, give up because of hardship or become embittered though suffering. They had the DNA of genuine servants of God. Mary was a hard worker, not afraid to put herself out to meet the needs of the church. Andronicus and Junias had shared a prison cell with Paul; he had seen their courage in standing up for Christ. Such people shared Paul's spiritual ambitions. They loved the Lord Jesus so much that they were willing to suffer for His sake.

There is a special bond of friendship between comrades in arms and friends who studied together. They have shared suffering, worked hard together, helped one another through difficulties and so they have confidence in one another. The same is true for people who work together for the sake of Christ and those who have come to faith through a particular teacher or evangelist. Such relationships are very precious. They provide ongoing encouragement to keep going and inspiration to seize new opportunities to proclaim the lordship of Christ. These people love each other, pray for each other, share with each other, weep and rejoice with each other. Are you cherishing your Christian friends, those who discipled you or who you have brought up in the faith? If not, take time to thank God for them, pray for them, phone them or write an email and encourage them to keep pressing on with Jesus.

Prayer:  Loving Lord. Thank You so much for all those who have shared my journey of faith. Thank You for those who explained the gospel to me and taught me how to follow Jesus. Thank You also for those I have been able to help, lead to faith and encourage in ministry. I am sorry when I get so busy that I forget to cherish these relationships. Please help me to be an encouragement to these people and to rejoice in the preciousness of our family relationship in Christ. In Jesus' Name. Amen.