One of the basic tenets of leadership is that both followers and leaders are humans! My paraphrasing of Romans 3:23 bears that out: All are jerks and come short of the glory of God.
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12 - Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up… And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
The lonely one has no one to lift him up. Two can be in relationship and can encourage each other. Three represents community. There is power in relationship. Teamwork is a great way to get things done! But we must get along for this to happen!
A study many years ago showed that job retention is based far more on relationships than it is on job skill. I doubt that has changed. Getting along with co-workers is a key to productivity. Other studies have shown that. My discussions with a Timothy about the culture in his workplace have revealed the truth of these observations
Other Timothys have shared about broken relationships in their families and in their friendships. The Bible has numerous examples of this brokenness, both in the Old Testament and in the New.
The Book of Hosea is about his relationship with his unfaithful wife, Gomer, and how it relates to God’s relationship with the people of Israel and Judah.
The New Testament relates reconciliations between Jesus and Peter, and between Paul and Mark. Think about your own relationships and what brokenness has done to you and to the other party.
What about those relationships that have been restored? Do you remember the joy and the relief that you experienced when forgiveness was granted, either by you, or to you? This all starts with our understanding and acceptance of Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. We are, then, free to grant that grace and mercy to others.
Admitting our transgressions to others can be a tremendous step toward breaking down the barriers in a relationship. Loving one another is a basic tenet of Christianity and is a key to getting along with each other.
We’re back to Love God, Love People as a key to success in this life! When we understand that, we can Make Disciples.
Heb 10:24-25 …let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, …assembling together, …encouraging one another;…