Pursue Team

Ready: 

“…but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” -- Hebrews 10:25 NLT

Set:

Have you ever been put down by a teammate? When we make a mental error or slack off in our effort, we expect to be yelled at by a coach. But when a teammate yells at you, or even puts you down, it can really hurt! I remember this happening during little league baseball in sixth grade. I was made fun of a lot for my glasses, height, weight, among others. Plus, I simply wasn’t good at baseball, which did not help. After two or three practices, I told my mom I wasn’t going back. I hated quitting but not having any support on my own team was worse. A little encouragement might have been the difference between me finishing the season and me quitting. 

More than once in the book of Hebrews, it says we are to encourage one another. Sharing a kind word with another could make a difference. Putting an arm around a friend who is hurting could make a difference. Even a smile, hug, or handshake could make a huge difference in another person’s direction, maybe even their life. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 says it plainly: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

So, let’s motivate one another to do good things, let’s keep getting together and enjoying others, let’s encourage one another with thoughtful, kind words and attitudes, and let us show others an example of Jesus by exhibiting kindness to all those around us. 

Go:

1. Have you ever been put down by a teammate? How did it feel? 
2. What can we do if we see teammates putting others down?
3. In step with Hebrews 10:24-25, what could you do to motivate, gather with, or encourage others?

Workout:

Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Overtime:

“Lord, Your Son’s death on a cross was the ultimate kindness. Help me to live for You by showing kindness to those You bring to my life. Amen.”

Mark Jones