Friday 28 July - Finding Genuine Christian Encouragement in Small Groups

Summary

You're going to need the Christian encouragement of others in your small group as you seek to live like Christ.

Introduction

Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13.

Living a life of holiness is difficult. We all make mistakes. We all fail at times. None of us is perfect!

Finding Christian Encouragement As We Seek Holiness

Sometimes, this can be very discouraging. We want to live for God and become more like his Son, Jesus Christ, but sometimes it can seem impossible! You need to find other like-minded people who can offer Christian encouragement in your quest for holiness.

Holiness is Found in Community

We cannot pursue holiness on our own. Why? Because God wired human beings for relationship, for community. To experience the joy and peace - the shalom - God promises us in Isaiah 55:12 requires the involvement of other people in our lives to give us the Christian encouragement we need.

Christian encouragement in the community of small groups is God's antidote to discouragement when it comes to living the life of holiness. Your small group can help you keep the right perspective when you fail God and make mistakes. They can see and encourage the efforts you are making. They can also remind you of God's truth. He says, through the Apostle Paul:

Romans 8:1 NLT

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

You're going to need the Christian encouragement of others in your small group as you seek to live like Christ. In the same way, they are going to need your encouragement too. Find your small group today!

Think It Over

Think through the following:

If you are not yet in a small group, who could you find to join together and encourage each other? If you are in a small group, which friend needs a word of Christian encouragement from you today?