“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)
1. Mutual Goals – Discuss how you can synergistically work together toward a mutually agreed upon goal. Cooperate through prayer, discussions and ministries that will contribute toward the accomplishment of enlarging the church in qualitative and quantitative measures. Paul writes, “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ. In whom are hidden all the treasurers of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col. 2:2,3)
2. Mutual Interests – Work together on areas of shared concerns. Shared hobbies and leisure time activities can act as a bridge for enhancing interpersonal communications. Paul writes, “Make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” (Phil.2:2)
3. Mutual Experiences – Find areas of ministry and lifestyle that you share in common with others. These opportunities can help break down many barriers of distrust. Paul writes about his friend, “Epaphroditus, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.” (Phil 2:20)
4. Mutual Understandings – Find areas that you can agree upon together before finding areas that you cannot come to any consensus. Paul writes, “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We remember your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thes. 1:2,3)
5. Mutual Trust – Develop confidence in one another’s word by proving your reliability, endurance, and willingness to overlook a fault. Paul writes, “As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (I Thes. 2:7,8)
6. Mutual Commitments – Despite differences between people they can collectively commit themselves to the accomplishment of God’s greater goals for the good of all concerned. Paul writes, “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” (I Thes. 2:4,5)
7. Mutual Destiny – Emphasize similar heavenly destinations in our heavenly home. Paul writes, “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (I Thes. 4:17,18)
8. Mutual Sharing – By distributing to others as they have need one can cement friendships. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:44,45)
9. Mutual Teaching, Fellowshipping, Eating and Praying – Getting together on a regular base to pray and study the scriptures will weld your hearts together with people who love the Lord and are willing to follow His will. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.” (Acts 2:41,42)
10. Mutual Battles With Common Opponents – By recognizing common opponents to the advancement of Christ’s kingdom you will gain greater reliance and appreciation for Christian friends. Paul writes, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severer suffering, you welcomed the message of joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (I Thes. 1:6)
Paul J. Fritz
Director of Missions, Trinity College of Florida
Answers2Prayer Subscriber