I'm grateful to my friend, Dr. Dan Cheatham for sharing this teaching with me years ago.
 
The principles listed here teach us how to communicate and get along with one another in any relationship.
 
1.  Paul's friends were trying to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem because they believed that great danger awaited him there. To that end they told Paul how they felt and what their opinion was about his trip.

In all relationships there is a time to share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions freely.
 
2.  Paul listened to his friends but would not change his plans. 

The person you are talking to may listen but not adopt your views and opinions.
 
3.  After they learned that Paul's mind was made up, they stopped trying to persuade him.

There is a time to stop talking and trying to change someone's mind or point of view. At this point you back off.
 
4.  They committed the whole matter and decision to the Lord with the prayer, "The Lord's will be done."

After you stop trying to persuade a person, you pray. You say, "The Lord's will be done!" As a Christian that is what you should want anyway. Now leave the matter alone!
 
5.  They got behind Paul and supported him by packing their bags and going to Jerusalem with him.