In 1935, the U.S. Congress gathered to devote a day each year in tribute to close friends. They chose June 8, which is usually a balmy day across the country—perfect for outdoor activities.
As the Mayo Clinic reports: “Friends help you cope with traumas, such as serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one. They also encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyles habits.” Today’s the day to enjoy some one-on-one time with the people who never fail to catch us when we fall.
From a Biblical perspective, I can think of no better example of a best friend to others than the apostle Paul. In 2017, Ryan Lokkesmoe wrote Paul and His Team: What the Early Church Can Teach Us About Leadership and Influence.
Paul’s friends—Mark, Barnabas, Silas, Luke, Priscilla, Aquila, Erastus, Philemon, Onesimus, Tychicus, Epaphras, Titus, and Timothy—each brought their unique gifts, personalities, and experiences to the table and made invaluable contributions to the cause of Jesus Christ and the early church.
Let’s take a look at what we can learn from Paul.
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