UR the Church: Encouragement

We all hunger for encouragement and affirmation. In a life that is full of trouble, difficulty, and disappointment it is nice to have people in your corner. People who cheer you along and call to you from the balcony to keep running. The last thing we need is a basement person dragging us down and adding to the discouragement we are already feeling. The power of the Church is to be a people who “spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Not only do we need that encouragement, we are called to give that encouragement to others.

“The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”—Acts 11:22-24

1. Can you remember a time when someone encouraged you with a simple text, email, or phone call? Has someone ever told you that you called or texted at just the right moment? What are the feelings and emotions associated with these experiences
2. Russell talked about Balcony people and Basement people. Balcony people fill our tank and we can’t wait to see them. Basement people drain our tank and we try to avoid them? Who are you? Really, which one are you?
3. We looked at four episodes about Barnabas in the book of Acts (Acts 4:32-37; 9:22-28; 11:19-26; 15:36-41). Which one resonated the most with you?
4. Proverbs 27:6 says “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” I am sure John Mark felt “wounded” by Paul but it ended up being for the best. Has a friend ever “wounded” you that was good for you? What was your response at the moment?
5. Who is someone in your sphere of life that needs to be encouraged? What will you do this week to encourage them? Share specifically your plan.

Remember to pray with each other at the conclusion of your meeting.