3 Vital Relationships

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

True friends are like diamonds – bright, beautiful, valuable and always in style. As we grow up, we realize it is less important to have lots of friends and more important to have real ones. As a person who has a host of acquaintances, I realize that I also need close friends.
To be a bold person you must have three vital relationships. They will keep you brave, balanced and believing.
1. You Need People Who NEED YOU
Timothy was this to Paul. Paul was able to speak into the life of Timothy, and, in fact, sent two letters that specifically spoke to the young disciple. All leaders need a younger voice in their lives to keep them alert to trends and demands of the day. The people that need you give you purpose and value. This is the relationship in which to help, train and teach others. It drives you to work hard and pray hard.

1 Timothy 1:2To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1. You Need People Who FEED YOU
   If you have people who need you, it is also essential that you have people that feed you. If not, you will become depleted and empty. Paul represents the elder or seasoned friend who speaks into your life with life lessons and experience. This mature friend will mentor and challenge you with wisdom, life insights, equipping you to respond to those who need you.

1 Peter 5:5Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1. You Need People Who KEEP YOU
   Everyone needs a peer and friend who you enjoy and who enjoys you. They bring out the fun side of you and cheer you on in life. This quality was found in the encourager in Acts named Barnabas. This person is not a drainer but gainer in life. They stand with you, love you no matter what, and lift you.

Acts 4:36Joseph…whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”)

People who have these three vital relationships will be happier, healthier and more productive.