When we come to Christ, we also become a part of His family: and the relationships we develop, in the Lord, are very special.  Many Christian women are mothers, not just biologically, but have become the wise and caring 'mothers' of other believers.  The Apostle Paul valued the loving way in which the mother of Rufus had cared for him.  Rufus may well have been the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus' cross (Mark 15:21).  If so, his mother would have been Simon's wife; doubtless deeply moved by that close but unexpected association with Jesus.

We know almost nothing about the other people mentioned but their Gentile names were common among slaves and the inclusion of ‘and the other brothers and sisters with them’ might indicate that they were house church leaders.  But we do know that Paul knew them, honoured them as believers in the Lord and valued them as part of his spiritual family (Galatians 6:10).  It is impossible to read these verses without realising that the Apostle was a deeply sensitive people-person - who not only taught and watched over people pastorally but saw himself as their spiritual sibling with one Heavenly Father through the grace of Christ (Colossians 1:2).  This in no way diminished his spiritual authority: even the Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call us ‘brothers and sisters’ (Hebrews 2:11).

We all have different personalities.  Some will be highly relational.  Others are mainly task-orientated; focussed on getting the job done.  But the Apostle Paul was clearly focussed on his ministry objectives and yet he loved people because God loved them and planned to save them (2 Thessalonians 2:13).  Today's passage shows his mutually warm, loving relationships with the many believers he brought to faith and encountered during his travels.

All this was because of his relationship with the Lord Jesus, and his willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to drive his agenda.  When God is in control then people and projects find their right priorities.  So today, give your work to the Lord, let Him control the agenda; and consider how your godly task-time management will enhance your relationships with others for the sake of Christ.