Build Each Other Up

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5: 11

Are friends not one of the greatest gifts that life has to offer! And if you are blessed to have really good ones as I do, they truly care about your well-being and they love you unconditionally for who you are. They can be so encouraging, supportive, and complimentary – even when we know that we don’t deserve it. And often, it’s as if they know right when we need them most and exactly what we need to hear!

And who else is more deserving of our encouragement and love than those who are most dear to us. Often we are so busy or complacent with our families that we don’t even take their need of encouragement into consideration – our spouses, children, parents, siblings, and any other relatives closest to us. We need to “build them up” each and every day by letting them know that we value and appreciate them and will always be there to encourage and cheer them on.

A kind word or a compliment can be the biggest blessing. As Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” When we are discouraged, doubting ourselves or feeling worthless, when we’re struggling or confused, or when we are in pain or facing a difficult situation, words can be so healing, strengthening, and renewing. God knows this is a harsh world we live in, and we need all the encouragement we can get – not from just our loved ones and friends, but from anyone and everyone. We all can use more kindness – in whatever form it comes!

Sometimes even our silence can speak volumes and can be so hurtful. It can make a person feel so insignificant or unworthy of our time or attention. God wants us to consider one another’s feelings or need for encouragement, affirmation, appreciation, and love. And yet, in our selfish natures, we often find ourselves more focused on “me” than on others. We don’t take the time or make the effort, or we purposely withhold words that we know someone needs or would long to hear. We need to make more of an effort to focus on others and be the affirming voice they need.

We recognize the power of our words to inflict pain, but they can also be equally as powerful in conveying love and concern.  God desires for us to edify and “build” each other up – not just those who are our friends or loved ones, but everyone around us – strangers and even those we find difficult to love, and in doing so, we are honoring Him. He sees into our hearts and our true motivations.

This statement sums it up well: “Words can be a window into our souls and our speech can reveal our hearts.” May we become better instruments of His love and grace and encourage each other.

 Prayer

Our most kind and loving Father, thank you for the gift of friends and loved ones you have placed in our lives. Help us to be mindful of their needs, as well as, those of all others in our path, and may we encourage them with our words. May we take advantage of the opportunities we have been given to share your love and grace to those who need it most. Amen