Living the Good Life: Harmony, Love, and Humility

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we delved into the concept of "The Good Life" as described in 1 Peter 3:8-12. We explored what it means to live a life that is harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. These virtues are not just abstract ideals but practical ways to treat those around us, especially those who are like us—our family, friends, and fellow believers. We discussed how living harmoniously involves understanding others' perspectives, much like a well-coordinated orchestra. Sympathy means putting others ahead of ourselves, and brotherly love involves protecting and caring for those in our community as we would for a sibling. Compassion goes deeper, requiring us to hurt with others from our innermost being, while humility is about genuinely putting others before ourselves without seeking recognition.

We also examined how to treat those who are unlike us, particularly those who may have wronged us. The Bible instructs us not to return evil for evil but to give a blessing instead. This counterintuitive approach is rooted in the principles of judgment, sowing and reaping, and blessings. When we choose to bless those who hurt us, we open our hands to receive God's blessings, rather than holding onto bitterness and pain. This open-handed approach allows God to see and hear us, ensuring His attendance in our lives.

Finally, we touched on the importance of living an unoffendable life. By choosing not to be easily offended, we free ourselves from the burden of proving anything to anyone and live securely in God's grace. This is the essence of the good life—a life lived in alignment with God's principles, filled with His blessings, and marked by genuine love and humility.

### Key Takeaways

1. Harmonious Living: Living harmoniously means having the same understanding as others, akin to an orchestra playing in perfect sync. This requires emotional intelligence and self-awareness, allowing us to understand others' perspectives and work together seamlessly. [36:01]

2. Sympathy and Compassion: True sympathy involves putting others ahead of ourselves, while compassion means hurting with others from our innermost being. These virtues require us to step out of our own experiences and genuinely connect with the pain and struggles of others. [41:22]

3. Brotherly Love: Brotherly love, or "philadelphios," involves protecting and caring for those in our community as we would for a sibling. This means standing up for each other and ensuring that we treat our fellow believers with the same care and respect we would show to our own family. [42:49]

4. Open-Handed Blessing: When we choose to bless those who hurt us instead of returning evil for evil, we open our hands to receive God's blessings. This approach not only frees us from bitterness but also aligns us with God's principles of judgment, sowing and reaping, and blessings. [57:12]

5. Living Unoffendable: To enjoy life and see good days, we must choose to live unoffendable. This means not being easily offended, giving people the benefit of the doubt, and understanding that sometimes people speak out of their own hurt. Living unoffendable frees us from the burden of proving anything to anyone and allows us to live securely in God's grace. [01:11:24]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[29:16] - Offering and Prayer
[30:26] - Labor Day Weekend Greetings
[31:13] - Introduction to "The Good Life"
[31:54] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:8-12
[33:10] - Prayer for Understanding
[33:38] - Question 1: How Do I Treat Those Like Me?
[34:14] - Context of 1 Peter
[36:01] - Harmonious Living Explained
[41:22] - Sympathy and Compassion
[42:49] - Brotherly Love
[44:51] - Compassion from the Inward Parts
[47:01] - Humility in Spirit
[50:58] - Question 2: How Do I Treat Those Unlike Me?
[57:12] - Open-Handed Blessing
[01:11:24] - Living Unoffendable
[01:14:39] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[01:17:24] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV)
> "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the five virtues listed in 1 Peter 3:8 that describe how we should treat those like us? ([31:54])
2. According to 1 Peter 3:9, how should we respond to those who have wronged us? ([50:58])
3. What does it mean to live harmoniously, as explained in the sermon? ([36:01])
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "open-handed blessing"? ([57:12])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to have the same understanding as others, and how does this contribute to living harmoniously? ([36:01])
2. How does showing sympathy and compassion help us connect with others on a deeper level? ([41:22])
3. What are the potential consequences of holding onto bitterness instead of blessing those who hurt us? ([57:12])
4. How does living an unoffendable life free us from the burden of proving anything to anyone? ([01:11:24])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to understand someone else's perspective. How can you apply the principle of "help me understand" in future interactions? ([40:28])
2. Think of a time when you put someone else's needs ahead of your own. How did that experience impact your relationship with that person? ([42:09])
3. Identify a person in your life who has wronged you. What steps can you take to bless them instead of holding onto bitterness? ([57:12])
4. How can you practice brotherly love within your community this week? Consider specific actions you can take to protect and care for others as you would for a sibling. ([42:49])
5. What does living an unoffendable life look like for you? Share a specific example of how you can give people the benefit of the doubt in your daily interactions. ([01:11:24])
6. How can you cultivate humility in your life without seeking recognition? Think of a practical way to put others before yourself this week. ([47:01])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence and blessings in your life. How can you maintain an open-handed approach to receive more of His blessings? ([57:12])

Devotional

Day 1: Harmonious Living
Living harmoniously means having the same understanding as others, akin to an orchestra playing in perfect sync. This requires emotional intelligence and self-awareness, allowing us to understand others' perspectives and work together seamlessly. When we live in harmony, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. This is not just about avoiding conflict but actively seeking to understand and appreciate the differences and similarities we share with others. Harmony in relationships is a reflection of God's desire for unity among His people.

In practical terms, harmonious living involves listening more than speaking, seeking to understand before being understood, and valuing the contributions of others. It means setting aside our own agendas and preferences to work towards a common goal. This kind of living requires humility and a willingness to see things from another's perspective. When we live harmoniously, we reflect the unity and love that God desires for His church. [36:01]

Romans 12:16 (ESV): "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where there is tension or misunderstanding. How can you take a step towards creating harmony in that relationship today?

Day 2: Sympathy and Compassion
True sympathy involves putting others ahead of ourselves, while compassion means hurting with others from our innermost being. These virtues require us to step out of our own experiences and genuinely connect with the pain and struggles of others. Sympathy is about feeling for others, while compassion goes a step further by feeling with others. It is about entering into their suffering and offering comfort and support.

Sympathy and compassion are not just emotions but actions. They compel us to reach out to those who are hurting, to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a comforting word. These virtues reflect the heart of God, who is always moved by the suffering of His people and who calls us to be His hands and feet in the world. When we practice sympathy and compassion, we become conduits of God's love and grace to those around us. [41:22]

Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you show them sympathy and compassion today in a tangible way?

Day 3: Brotherly Love
Brotherly love, or "philadelphios," involves protecting and caring for those in our community as we would for a sibling. This means standing up for each other and ensuring that we treat our fellow believers with the same care and respect we would show to our own family. Brotherly love is about creating a sense of belonging and security within the community of faith.

This kind of love is not passive but active. It involves looking out for the needs of others, offering support and encouragement, and being willing to sacrifice for the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Brotherly love reflects the love that Jesus has for us and calls us to extend that same love to others. When we practice brotherly love, we create a community where everyone feels valued and cared for. [42:49]

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (ESV): "Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more."

Reflection: Think of a fellow believer who may be feeling isolated or neglected. How can you show them brotherly love and make them feel part of the community today?

Day 4: Open-Handed Blessing
When we choose to bless those who hurt us instead of returning evil for evil, we open our hands to receive God's blessings. This approach not only frees us from bitterness but also aligns us with God's principles of judgment, sowing and reaping, and blessings. By choosing to bless rather than curse, we reflect the character of God, who is merciful and gracious even to those who do not deserve it.

Living with an open-handed blessing means letting go of the desire for revenge or retribution and instead seeking the good of those who have wronged us. It is a radical way of living that goes against our natural inclinations but aligns us with the heart of God. When we bless others, we position ourselves to receive God's blessings in return, creating a cycle of grace and generosity. [57:12]

Luke 6:27-28 (ESV): "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you or hurt you. How can you choose to bless them today instead of holding onto bitterness?

Day 5: Living Unoffendable
To enjoy life and see good days, we must choose to live unoffendable. This means not being easily offended, giving people the benefit of the doubt, and understanding that sometimes people speak out of their own hurt. Living unoffendable frees us from the burden of proving anything to anyone and allows us to live securely in God's grace. It is about choosing to let go of offenses and not allowing them to take root in our hearts.

Living unoffendable requires a deep trust in God's justice and a commitment to extending grace to others. It means recognizing that we are all imperfect and that we all need grace. When we choose to live unoffendable, we create an environment where forgiveness and reconciliation can flourish. This is the essence of the good life—a life lived in alignment with God's principles, filled with His blessings, and marked by genuine love and humility. [01:11:24]

Proverbs 19:11 (ESV): "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt offended. How can you choose to let go of that offense and extend grace to the person involved today?

Quotes

1. "If you and I are going to live the good life, then we've got to have an answer to this question. How do I treat people who are like me? How do I treat people who are in my sphere of influence? How do I treat people that I attend school with? How do I treat those that live in the same home as I do? How do I treat those that are part of the same church that I'm part of? How do I treat people who are like me? How do I treat people who like me?" [33:38] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What would happen if we came to try to understand where somebody is coming from instead of them understanding where we're coming from? I want to give you a little phrase. I've used this phrase many times. This will help some of you. And I want to empower you to say this phrase. Here's the phrase. Whenever you don't understand or whenever a conversation is getting tense and it's a hard conversation, here's the phrase I want you to use. Help me understand. Help me understand. That is a very empowering phrase." [40:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The word sympathetic literally comes from the Greek word sympathes. It's only used one time in the entire New Testament. What's crazy is Peter was the least likely disciple to give anybody any kind of advice on showing sympathy. I mean we're talking about the hard charging Jesus make me first in the kingdom of God. Cut the centurion's ear off. Denied Jesus three times. Lay it out. Preach hard. Fire from heaven at Pentecost. If there's anybody that should not be telling us about showing sympathy, it's Peter. But here's the thing. Peter saw it." [41:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The word loving here is the Greek word philadelphios. It's where we get Philadelphia from. It's compound word phileo. It means brotherly love. Adolphus means brother. It means that you want to love people around you like a big brother. Like a big brother. And so when I was growing up I had a little sister. She was four years younger than me. She died in 1997 and my younger sister you know all the boys in her grade knew that if we messed with her I would pounce on them." [42:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The word compassionate here it's sort of a complex word but compassionate means from the inward parts. That's what compassionate means. It means from the inward parts. It means to hurt with somebody from the inward parts. It means to relate to somebody from the inward parts. Compassionate isn't about some trite little statement where you're saying you know what I mean it's going to be okay. Better days are ahead. No. Compassionate means you hurt with somebody from the inward parts." [44:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The truth of the matter is that every single person in this room is going to die. Death is undefeated. It's undefeated. It's never lost. One out of one people. Now when that happens in your life there'll be a pastor myself or your pastor at the time. They'll stand up and the good thing about it is this. They're not gonna they're not gonna say the bad things about you. They're gonna say the good things about you. But you can always tell. You can always tell when the pastor is working hard to say things." [47:26] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "For the one who desires life to love and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it. I want you to see how do I treat those who are not like me? How do I treat those who talk bad about me? How do I treat those who have wronged me? How do I treat those who have hurt me? The Bible says not return evil for evil or insult for insult but give a blessing instead for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing." [50:58] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "To enjoy life and to see good days, you have to live unoffendable. To enjoy life and to see good days and live unoffendable. What would happen in our lives if we said, you know what, I can't be offended anymore. You can't offend me. Say whatever you want to say, it doesn't offend me. Do whatever you want to do, it doesn't offend me. I've chosen to live a life where I am unoffendable. I'm going to always give people the benefit of the doubt." [01:11:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Secure people, they have nothing to prove and nothing to fear. Listen, I want to tell you something. Listen to me. You don't have anything to prove. You don't have anything to prove to anyone. You don't have anything to prove to yourself. You don't have anything to prove to God. There's a lot of freedom when we come to the point in our lives where we realize, I don't have anything to prove. The thing about it is this. Your peers are not your judge. They're not the jury. Your boss is at your judge. It's not your jury." [01:12:51] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "You don't have anything to prove. And the thing about it is when you live your life to not prove anyone, to not please anyone, God hasn't called you to be a people pleaser, but to be a God pleaser. And when you live your life, amen, to please God, then you will please other people, and you will live the good life, but you don't have anything to prove. You don't have anything to fear. That'd be a good life, you know? I'm pulling for you to live the good life. What I know is you will never live the good life without the grace of God through Jesus." [01:13:45] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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