Living With No Regrets
Philippians 1:3-11
One of the most common regrets that people have on their deathbeds revolves around relationships. The most common regret that people have in the final days of their life on earth is expressed like this: “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. I wish I had spent more time with my husband, wife or my children. I regret not visiting my parents or keeping up with my siblings.”
The quality of our life is going to be determined by the quality of our relationships. Solomon told us in Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” In our text today, Paul describes his relationship to the people of Philippi. Paul gives us four relational habits that can transform our relationships IF we build them into our lives.
I will be grateful for the people in my life.
I will choose a selective memory.
I will pray for the people in my life.
I will pray specific prayers.
Pray they will grow in love.
Pray that they will make wise choices.
Pray they will live with integrity.
Pray that they will become like Jesus.
Discussion Guide
Think about someone outside of your family who causes you to have great joy. Who is the person, what is your relationship with that person, and what is it about the relationship that causes you to have such joy? Do you ever express gratitude for that relationship? If so, to whom do you express your gratitude?
Consider how Paul and the Philippians encouraged and supported each other. How can we as a church, a small group and a local body of Christ encourage and support each other?
How do my relationships block my happiness or add to my happiness? What does Paul teach us about gratitude in tough times?
How should I pray for difficult people?