By Staff Writer, Matt Osborne Midway through the fourth quarter of last night’s Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup between Boston and Philadelphia, Celtics star Jayson Tatum was entrenched in one of the worst shooting slumps of his NBA career. Having struggled to find any semblance of rhythm all game, Tatum was 1-for-16 from the floor with just a handful of minutes remaining in a tight contest. Yet, despite his struggles, Tatum was able to respond in a big way when his team needed him most. The All-NBA first-team selection hit four clutch three-pointers in the final 4:14 of action to help lead Boston to a 95-86 road victory. After the game, Tatum admitted he was frustrated by his poor shooting performance through the first 43 minutes of action. But he also acknowledged how the encouraging remarks from his teammates and coaches helped him to remain confident in the clutch. Teammate, Jaylen Brown, told Tatum, “Keep going. They can’t guard you.” Center, Al Horford, remarked to reporters, “ let him know that he is that guy, and he’s special.” Celtics coach, Joe Mazzulla, simply told his superstar, “I love you.” Tatum may be one of the best basketball players in the world, but he's similar to all of us in the way he needs encouragement from time to time. As followers of Jesus, there are times when we find ourselves feeling down and frustrated. Life is hard, and Jesus promised us that we would face tribulation while we're on earth (John 16:33). Temptations can seem to constantly be lurking nearby, and persecution comes because of our commitment to Christ. Though God Himself is always our ultimate source of comfort and peace, the truth is that we all can benefit from some encouragement from our fellow believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) states, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Notice that the Bible commands us not to neglect meeting together with other believers. And what is one of the main reasons given for the necessity of us gathering together? To encourage one another! As we battle against our flesh and the desires of the world, we need people who encourage us to pursue lifestyles that result in love and good works. Knowing that our fellow brothers and sisters are engaged in the same fight, we're given extra fuel and motivation to live pure and holy lives before God. We also need encouragement during the trials and difficulties we face in this life and must remind each other of James 1:2-4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Most importantly, the greatest encouragement we can give our fellow believers is reminding them of the eternal life we have because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (ESV) says, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Today, let’s look for opportunities to encourage the believers around us with words appropriate for the situation, so we all might be strengthened to live lives of obedience, perseverance, and hope. I’m Matt Osborne and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope I have in You because of Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank you for allowing me to walk this life with other believers. Please help me to be a person of encouragement who consistently speaks words that point people to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. How has encouragement from other believers helped you get through difficult times in the past?
2. How can you focus on being more intentional in giving encouraging words to the believers around you?
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