In this step, your students will be writing an anonymous encouragement note to someone; you might find it helpful to write out a short note before class as a sample for any students who might not know how to compose one.

Earlier we heard about English surgeon Simon Bramhall. He was so prideful that he couldn’t resist signing his patients’ livers. In our Bible story, we learned about a group of people who had so much pride that they began constructing a huge monument to show off.

In both stories, the people involved paid a steep price. Mr. Bramhall lost his job, served 120 hours unpaid in community service, was on probation a year, and paid a big fine (£10,000 or approximately $13,000 USD). God scattered the monument-builders by confusing their languages. Pride always comes with a price tag.

So long as we’re on planet Earth, we may never get rid of our pride completely. But as Christians, we can work to keep the focus on serving others instead of ourselves.

• When you use your talents, what’s one way to stay focused on the people you’re helping instead of yourself? (Accept all reasonable answers. Help the students realize that mixed motives are natural, but we can challenge ourselves to focus on serving.) 

Hand each student a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil. Today, let’s close our lesson by writing a note of encouragement to someone. Instead of signing it, you’re going to leave it blank. That will be our way of serving without letting pride get in the way.

First, choose who’s going to receive your note. It can be anyone except a member of your family or a person you’re romantically interested in. Translation: no writing to Dad or your crush. Choose someone that you think could use a little kindness.

Second, decide what you want to say to encourage the person. Your note should be at least three sentences long. (Note: Many middle schoolers will struggle with what to write. You may want to write a letter of your own before class begins and read it aloud as a model.)

• What are some ways that you can encourage a person in your note? (Again, accept all reasonable answers. Students may suggest things like complimenting the person, exhorting her to persevere through a difficult time, or including a favorite verse from the Bible.)

Now it’s time to write your note. Remember, don’t sign it! This is going to be anonymous encouragement—the person you’re helping won’t know who sent the note. Give the students a few minutes to draft an encouraging note. Try to help any students who are stuck on what to write.

Now, here’s the fun part! You need to devise a way to get this note to the person you’re encouraging . . . without them figuring out who sent it.

• Who has an idea about how they’re going to deliver their letter without being found out? (Allow a few students to share their ideas. If they seem stuck, begin by sharing one of your own.)

When you deliver your letter, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you honored God and helped another person—not because it would make you look good, but because it’s a wonderful way to serve.

If the person asks you straight out if you were their “mystery encourager,” it’s okay to say yes. But otherwise, keep your identity a secret! That’s part of the fun . . . and part of serving without pride.

This week, don’t be like the surgeon who signed livers. Be an encourager whose reward comes from God!

Close in prayer.

Additional Resources:
Simon Bramhall: Surgeon who branded initials on patients’ livers spared jail
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/simon-bramhall-latest-surgeon-liver-branding-patients-prison-sentence-spared-jail-a8155096.html