Episode Title: “Rafe Hollister Sings”

Lesson Title: “Sound Encouragement”

Biblical Theme: Encouragement

Hebrews 3:13: But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Why are we so quick to criticize and so slow to encourage? Why do we sometimes feel better when we make another seem worse? Or alternately, why do we find it hard to say something that lifts someone else , especially over ourselves? Out of love, there may come a time to point out another’s faults. But first, we should take many opportunities encourage that person if we are to build his or her trust. If we are truly trying to help others instead of ourselves, we can see clearly that one of the best ways to be a benefit is to offer them encouragement.

Parable: The Moral of Mayberry…

Rafe was encouraged to sing when Andy sang his praises. When it came to their farmer friend, Andy tried to support Rafe as much as Barney tried to undermine him. Tellingly, Andy had nothing to gain by encouraging Rafe, while Barney had a lot to lose by not discouraging him. Meanwhile, the Mayor and Mrs. Jeffries snobbishly withheld approval, right up until everyone in the Musicale audience applauded Rafe. Briefly, describe how each dealt with encouragement.

Rafe: listened to positive words, ignored the negative.

Andy: kind, upbeat, uplifting, no negative nitpicking.

Barney: jealous and afraid, felt safer to discourage Rafe.

Mayor: more concerned with appearances than people.

Mrs. Jeffries: loved social status more than fellow man.

Have you been encouraged? Have you encouraged other people? For both, what happened?

Personal response.

Encouragement comes from unity. In general, we encourage those toward whom we feel love. Christ loves everyone, and holds encouragement for everyone who loves him. As Christians, we should have this spirit of unity toward others, treating their problems, as well as their triumphs, as our own. Read Romans 15:5. Consider how Andy acted toward Rafe and why.

How did Andy encourage Rafe? Why did he make the effort to encourage a farmer to sing?

Andy encouraged Rafe eagerly, unconditionally, continually, even in the face of opposition. He did this because he wanted the best for Rafe, and he was not hindered by any prejudice.

Should Christians criticize? Sometimes we must. However, the Christian intent is always to help people, not hurt them. Therefore, any criticism must be directed toward lifting others out of sin and closer to Christ. Because of the encouraging promise we have in God, Christians have no other reason to be negative. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:9 11. Consider what Andy said to Barney, and what he didn’t say.

Did Andy criticize Barney? Would he have been correct to do so? For either way, why?

Criticizing Barney’s bad singing would have been wrong, being tone deaf is not a sin. However, Andy could have correctly criticized the discouragement of Rafe for its lack of love.

Watch out for those who would rather divide than encourage. Keep your distance from people that think only of benefiting themselves, even at the expense of those around them. Read Romans 16:17-18 Although some of these people may call themselves Christians, their self-centered thoughts and unkind words demonstrate that they are not followers of Christ.

Why did Barney discourage Rafe? Why did he try to stop Rafe from trying out?

Barney was trying to lift himself up, by standing on Rafe. He was both afraid that Rafe was better and jealous of Rafe’s talent, although Barney would not admit either even to himself.

Why did the Mayor and Mrs. Jeffries withhold support? What was more important to them?

They did not care how well Rafe could sing. They were prejudiced against his appearance, not even the man himself. To the, social standing was more important than integrity.

Reflection: At the Fishing Hole…

Romans 12:6-8: We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage….

Encouragement is a gift, to both the giver and receiver. It is an ability God has especially blessed some with so that they might bless others. However, each and every one of us should be ready with a kind word for another person, no matter the circumstance. Through fellowship, we can remind each other of the meaning of the Good News, the great reward of resurrection. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. With love, concern and acceptance our encouragement can play a key role in helping others, as well as ourselves, to maintain faith. Even the way in which we live can offer inspiration as others see us dealing with difficulties through good deeds and words because of the encouragement of God. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

Like Andy, have you encouraged someone in an area that is new to him? Give an example. Personal response.

Although Rafe had more reasons to become discouraged, he remained encouraged. Likewise, as Christians, when faced with persecution, our faith is tried. During these times, we need endurance alongside encouragement to support us until the trouble has passed. In a greater sense, for those of us who persevere in doing the will of God, he promises an everlasting reward. Read Hebrews 10:36.

Like Rafe, have others discouraged you from accomplishing something? Give an example.

Personal response.

If Andy had discouraged Rafe, he would’ve joined the majority. We may stand alone in encouraging a friend, and that may be all the more reason to do it! Conversely, consider how much their encouragement would mean to you if the situation was reversed. Regardless of whether it is fashionable, we should correct those that are wrong and encourage those that are right. Read 2^nd. Timothy 4:2.

Like Andy, have you encouraged someone when others discouraged them?

Personal response.

Like Rafe, have you needed encouragement from another to give you hope? Give an example.

Personal response.

Action: Get Out Your Bullet…

Hebrews 10:25: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Encouragement happens in community. Only when we are with others do we have an opportunity to both encourage and be encouraged. This encouragement is crucial as we draw closer to Judgment Day. As Christians, when we face difficult times, we should encourage one another in faith. Read Philippians 1:14. Your kind words may make the difference between someone dropping out or coming through. Often the person that is alone is the one that needs encouragement the most. Encouragement can prevent negative feelings, such as depression, apathy, even unbelief. Of course, encouragement with this kind of life changing power can only flow from Christ. Read Philippians 2:1.

Why should we encourage others?

As Christians, we should have a spirit of unity toward others, treating their problems, as well as their triumphs, as our own. Consider how much their encouragement would mean to you.

When should you criticize someone?

The Christian intention is always to help people, not hurt them. First, we should encourage what they are doing right. Any criticism must be directed toward lifting others out of sin and closer to Christ.

Why do you need encouragement?

When faced with persecution, our faith is tried. Encouragement can prevent depression, apathy, even unbelief. For those of us who persevere in doing the will of God, he promises an everlasting reward.

Whom should you encourage next? How will you encourage that person?

Personal response.