It began over a decade ago. My husband and I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful couple in leadership while we served in marriage ministry – Clint and Amarillys.

As leaders in ministry, there are countless roles and responsibilities to juggle while balancing with family life. 

However, what made them unique was how they intentionally formed relationships with our team first. This couple took time to listen to us, pray for us, share in our sorrows, and celebrate our joys.

Then, as they observed our leadership styles, they lovingly provided correction where it was necessary. Most importantly, this couple shared helpful advice. Because of the relational equity they had, it was a no-brainer for us to listen to their advice, and therefore, it sharpened us tremendously. 

What I love so dearly about Clint and Amarillys is they didn’t just have the title of ministry leaders. They have become our dear Friends. They truly inspire us and our children to be the best version of ourselves. As a result of their influence, each of us can say with confidence how we have developed and grown.

Proverbs 27:9 AMP says, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.”

When faced with the tragic death of their oldest son, new passions were birthed within them to do the extraordinary for the kingdom of God. Clint used his gift as an author, coach, and speaker to launch bigboldbrave. Amaryllis used her gift of creativity to launch artbyamarillys. 

We continue to learn a great deal from their trust in the Lord and we are grateful beyond words.

In Exodus 18, we read about Moses’ conversation with the priest of Midian, Jethro, also known as his father-in-law. In modern-day culture, any title that contains “in-law” has a negative connotation. However, this relationship did not fit that description. We can learn a lot about relational equity from Jethro:

• He met Moses where he was at (v. 5)
• He listened to Moses (v. 8) 
• He celebrated with Moses (v. 9-12)
• He observed Moses (v. 14)
• He lovingly corrected Moses (v. 17-18) 
• He advised Moses (v. 19-23)

Because of the relational equity Jethro had, Moses’ response was to listen (v. 24-26).

Kevin Henderson of King’s Hill stated: “… the time spent with friends, family, and coworkers invests over time in the types of relationships that lead to the level of honesty needed to ‘confess your sins to one another’ (James 5:16), ‘bear one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2), and ‘encourage one another’ (Hebrews 3:13).” 

Dear Friend, may the Lord help us to build relational equity with those in our circles of influence.
~Joyce