Encouraging Friends

Life can be tough. Sometimes we come up against obstacles that just seem completely overwhelming. Maybe it’s a struggle at school, challenges at home, or anxiety over what’s happening in the world. It’s times like these when it can be hard to go it alone. And it’s times like these when we need a friend who can encourage us.

The author of Hebrews first reminds us that we already have the greatest friend of all: Jesus. He tells us we can have the confidence to draw near to God because Jesus has made us right with him. We no longer need to feel sinful, ashamed, or anxious when we have put our trust in Jesus. As Paul tells us in Romans 8, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

With that in mind, the author of today’s passage spurs us to action with statements starting with “let us”. The last of these is an encouragement not to give up “meeting together”. When Christian brothers and sisters come together, it’s a powerful way to encourage one another in our lives as we remind each other of the confidence we have in Jesus. Whether you have a close group of friends or not, you have a family in Christ that walks through life with you.

Questions: 

1. Can you spot the other two “let us” statements in the passage? What do you think they mean, and why do you think we can do them with confidence? 
2. Why do you think it’s important to have friends that encourage you? Do your friends encourage you during hard times? 
3. Can you think of anyone who might not have a close friend? How might you encourage them?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you that I can come to you in prayer and that you always hear me. Thank you for the friends you have given me, and I pray that you will help us to always encourage each other. Please help me to be a good friend just as Jesus has been to me. Amen.