The Joy of Taking Care of Relationships Philippians 4:1-3 Few Things more entertaining to many than blood sport / combat / boxing Few things less Christlike than 2 people who won’t work it out / destroying one another & hurting the work of God & the testimony of the church Few things less Christlike than people refusing to help – instead of just watching or cheering on the pain and the problems. Vs. 1 Stand Firm - Military Connotation “In the Lord” Citizenship: as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel (1:27) our citizenship is in heaven (3:20) Opposition: those who oppose you (1:28) enemies of the cross (3:18) Unity: in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord (1:27) be of the same mind in the Lord (4:2) To live above With the saints we love; Oh, that will be glory! But to live below With the saints we know; Now that's a different story! Foundation for Relationships “Longed for” “Joy” “Crown” People are Precious. People are Prized. People are the Prize. Fracture in the Relationship Always a Wedge that Divides. Moral Doctrinal Personal / Leadership Always takes Work to Unite. Euodias “Success” - Named after goddess of Fortune Syntyche “Lucky”- Named after goddess of Fortune True Yokefellow - Clement First Aid Plan for Relationships Problem Pastor / Spiritual Leader Plan Start by Valuing People of God. “Longed for” “Joy” “Crown” Propose Solution. Emphasize worth to God and the work of God. Warriors “labored with me” Witnesses “Gospel” Workers “fellow laborer” Enlist Help when Needed. Remind we are on the same team serving the same Lord.