authentic Christian relationship

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

2 Timothy 1:4

Paul models authentic ministry. It is deeply personal. It is emotional. It is vulnerable. And most of all, it is incredibly fulfilling as it is intensely relational. Serving with others, growing with others, leading others, and discipling others is a passionate and purposeful pursuit. It will involve the stuff of life. It isn’t superficial. It isn’t formulaic (THANK GOD!). It is substantial as well as supernatural.

All of this unpacks from the three parts of this simple opening encouragement to Timothy. And it calls me to carefully consider my own relational commitments in Christ with other Christians. Look at how Paul just lays out his heart…

“…I remember your tears…” Paul feels what Timothy feels. There was a deep attachment to the young man that Paul nicknamed “beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2). And when Timothy hurt, Paul was also moved. So much so that Paul remembered those tears even after they were long gone. He had shared the hard moments in personal ministry. He joined in the difficulties. He felt the tears. And Paul remembered what God did in and through the pain. We should treasure the unique opportunities we have with fellow Christians to enter their heartaches. Too many Christians are too aloof, giving off an air of perfection and avoiding shared loss and pain. Don’t just send cards! Make phone calls, or better yet, put an arm on a shoulder and weep with that brother or sister dealing with heartache. Authentic ministry hugs the hurting… and remembers the tear-connection long afterwards, seeing it as a building block to solid relationship.

“I long to see you…” Paul was quick to acknowledge his affection for his son in the faith. Just like the best dads readily say “I love you” to their kids, Paul was unafraid to “miss” this relationship with Timothy. He expressed it without shame. He longed to spend time in fellowship and service again. Authentic Christian relationships hurt when separated and long to be in lingering, personal, conversational, intentional relationship. This is real fellowship… beyond cookies and kool-aide and small talk.

“…that I may be filled with joy.” Joy is the outcome of real love in Christ. Let that sink in. How many times would we truly say that interaction with others brings joy? For believers, Jesus is our joy-giver. And authentic relationship will know the joy of the Lord. Even in tears the hope is to find joy together. Even in separation times… when we are filled with longing, the future focus is joy. Paul knew that when he reunited with Timothy, joy would erupt. And that joy is hard to quantify, but powerful to experience. And in the church that joy is deeper than family and is vitally important as we seek Christ’s kingdom and righteousness. Joy is a vision of eternity. And joyful relationships are what we will know forever!