Scripture: Job 16:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Matthew 11:28-30; John 15:1-17; John 16:7

1) Recall someone who has been an encourager in your life. What were some of the things they did that encouraged you? Share some of the ways you have tried to encourage others.
2) Does the translation that offers us an image of the Holy Spirit as one who walks with us, cheering us on, connect with you? Are there ways you have your experienced God as for you and not against you?
3) What do you think of Job's friends and Job's response to them (Job 16:1-5)? How does encouragement lead to hope and how can discouragement lead to despair?
4) Would it surprise you to learn that Derek Redmond is now a Motivational Speaker. What were the encouraging lessons/learnings you got from watching the video of his Olympic race?
5) Today our world is still battling the Coronavirus Pandemic. In Toronto, the PRIDE Parade is happening virtually and we are in the grip of the struggles raised by the #Black Lives Matter movement. Individuals are experiencing some of the hardest times of their lives. It can be easy to be discouraged. I believe that we seek to be a church of encouragement and hope. What are some things you believe we are doing and can do as a church community to offer encouragement that leads to hope?

Scripture in message:
“I’ve had all I can take of your talk. What a bunch of miserable comforters! Is there no end to your windbag speeches? What’s your problem that you go on and on like this? If you were in my shoes, I could talk just like you. I could put together a terrific harangue and really let you have it. But I’d never do that. I’d console and comfort, make things better, not worse!” Job 16:1-5 (MSG)

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11