Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15
You read his books a lot and you are inspired by Max Lucado. You read tidbits of John Maxwell’s principles on leadership and you are guided by him. You hear this preacher over the web and his talk gives you enlightenment. Their songs reverberate in your earpieces, gosh, Hillsong’s music brings something in you. Subscribed to weekly insights of a preacher/businessman and your inbox becomes his pulpit enough to give you realizations.
Out there, we have countless guides to Christ. They point us to Jesus. They direct us to His cross. They assure us of His love. They inspire us. They put the fire in us. They prompt us to do good. And we should be to one another.
Further, Paul encourages us to be in relationships with one another. He became a father to the Corinthians. He could have limited himself as a guide for them. He could have told them, “I am your mentor.” But he did not. He emphasized relationships. Here, Paul tells us that the members of the church or a community love one another. He gave the direction of being with one another. He presented that we are a family. Father to one another. Mother to one another. Brothers and sisters. Forbearing one another. Forgiving one another. Serving one another.
For Paul and for us, relationships matter.
HEADWIND CANOE 