Building Relationships now to avoid the pain of regret - Part 2
Good morning brethren, I would like to continue on the topic: “Building relationships now to avoid the pain of regret – Part Two.” To briefly recap Part One: many people live with the regret of not investing in relationships while they had the chance—especially within their families. They recall conversations they postponed, visits they delayed, and love they failed to express. Too often, opportunities to connect or reconcile slip away because we do not treat relationships with the urgency and value they deserve. Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 1:22: “Love one another deeply, from the heart.” This shows us that relationships are not optional—they are central to how we reflect God’s love. From the beginning, God designed us for connection, as we read in Genesis 2:18: “It is not good that man should be alone.”
Moving into Part Two, I want to emphasise that love requires action and should never be delayed. Unexpressed love can leave lasting gaps. A simple call, a visit, or even a message can prevent deep regret later. As 1 John 3:18 says: “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” We see this illustrated in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), where reconciliation was possible because the father was ready and willing when his son returned. Had there been further delay, that reunion might never have happened. Sadly, in many real-life situations, relationships never experience such restoration because one or both sides wait too long. Another cause of regret is postponed reconciliation. Delaying reconciliation can harden hearts over time. That is why we are encouraged in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Addressing issues early helps preserve relationships that might otherwise be lost. We also see this in the story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33). Years of separation caused by hurt and fear kept them apart, yet their eventual reconciliation was powerful. Many families today reflect this story—but unfortunately, not all reach that point of reunion. Additionally, some people avoid relationships because they feel uneasy—awkward, guilty, or unsure of what to say. But Romans 12:15 teaches us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” The Bible reminds us that presence matters more than perfection.
Since no one can predict tomorrow, we must be intentional about investing in relationships. Think of relationships as seeds—no one can harvest what they have not planted. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good… at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” Spending time with parents and family members may sometimes feel routine or even inconvenient, but those moments are priceless. Many people later express regret, saying, “I wish I had spent more time with them,” or “I wish I had told them how much they meant to me.” The Bible calls us to be intentional—to love actively and invest in relationships while we still have the opportunity. In conclusion, I leave you with this simple but important question: If time were suddenly taken away, what would you wish you had done differently? I pray that you begin to act now. May the Lord help us and have mercy upon us, in Jesus name. Service begins at 10:30am, and the workers meeting is at 10:00am - God’s blessings - Mike