Building Up Others

                                    Let us think of ways to motivate

one another to acts of love and

good works.

Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

We live in some tough days right now. There are many folks who are unemployed while even those who are employed feel a pressure about keeping their jobs. Marriages are breaking up for any number of reasons. Child abuse is on the rise. Illness is rampant and those affected are scared to death they might not continue to have the health care they need. You and I both could add to the list.

These things and others are things that are happening in our churches among some of the finest of Christians. All of these things are affecting the unsaved and the saved and discouragement is all around us. One of the problems is that among fellow church members, there is a real lack of information because even our best friends who are having a hard time don't want anyone to know about it. Even though one of the greatest resources we can have, that being prayer, troubled folks don't even want to ask us to pray lest it let out the fact that they are struggling.

So what is our overall call...how are we to proceed?

Encourage each other. 

Live in harmony and peace.

Then the God of love and peace will

be with you.

II Corinthians 13:11

First must be a good look at a person's foundation of life. As Christians, our foundation is Jesus Christ and we know that with Him, all things are possible so we have a starting point to encourage and build up another. If a person in need has no spiritual foundation, building up such a one becomes more difficult. They will want to hear cliches of the world that don't hold much in the way of help that has meaning.

Next, we must be of a sincere spirit.

Folks who are going through a tough time are very sensitive to the attitudes of those who want to be of help. With senses heightened, such folks can tell a phony a mile away. If we aren't sincere, then we aren't honest in our concern. Short clever statements usually renders no help and at times makes absolutely no sense.

Before uttering a word to a struggler, if we haven't prayed for that individual prior to our approach, then back off until we can do that for him or her.

The one thing we have to offer is time spent in prayer for someone we're concerned about. Otherwise, any inquiry on our part comes across as our just being nosy, wanting information to pass along to the rumor mill. We should be able to honestly say to someone who needs building up, “I've been praying for you.” What an honor that someone would do that for me.

Just in everyday living and personal contacts, be complimentary.

Everyone like compliments but again, such statements must be honest. If we are to build people up, it does no good if the receiver knows for a surety that we were just making conversation.

One of the greatest gifts we can give another when called for is that of forgiveness.

When we've been on the “outs” with someone, nothing is more encouraging whether we have been offended or the offender is to apologize that we take steps to reconcile with the person. This says to the other person that we consider them worth the steps we have taken to make amends. You see, everyone wants to feel they are worthy of anothers friendship and consideration.

Write a note or say an encouraging word (which is preferable) but if not make a “thinking of you” call.

During this last year, I've gone through some low times after an accident. On a down day, I can't tell you what it's meant to me to have two things said to me: “How are you doing?” and

“I've been thinking about you.” To think that someone would take a part of their own personal time to think about me is a real morale booster.

One of the greatest means of building up another is in some way to share the Word of God with him or her.

This can be done with a greeting card or just an encouraging word from Scripture written on a 3x5 card. The Word of God itself builds and encourages so don't hesitate to share a verse or two. It will be twofold...the Word itself and the fact that you went to the trouble to share it however you choose to share it.

If so led, do something tangible for someone who might be dragging along day by day, feeling pretty hopeless.

There may be a need someone has that the Lord in His own way brings to our attention. There may be a neighbor, relative or fellow church member who doesn't want to reveal anything about their private feelings but with a kind and gentle spirit on our part, we can minister to those folks with something tangible. The most fun I've had in this area is doing something for someone in the way of a small gift or a small amount of money and not letting on to them that it was me who did it for them. We don't always have to reveal the things we do for others. Sometimes secrecy is fun as can be.

Above all, love is the key. In these days, we can't love others enough. Love is vital for anything and everything we do for others.

Jesus commanded us to: “Love one another...as I have loved you.” That would be more than a truck load of love. I may not be able to love another person as Jesus loved, but I can strive for that kind of love. Jesus didn't say that we would love as MUCH as He loved but we are to love AS He loved. How did He love...with all the stops pulled out, loved with abandon, with no holds barred, with no prejudice or partiality.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.

Romans 12:10

Do you need a kind word or a touch of encouragement from someone today. Let me suggest that you find a way to do something for someone today, perhaps from this list. Nothing will pick up our spirits like doing something for someone else. If it serves no other purpose that to take our minds off of our own difficulties, it will have been worth it.

Lord Jesus...I thank You today for the love You pour into my life and for Your encouragement that You send to me through others. May I be one of those “others” in someone else's life. Amen.