Articles
Building People Up
So many people make the wrong response to a situation or problem and are not of any help to the person. Jesus was totally different in his response to the needs of people. John told us “Jesus knew what was in man.” He knew what people’s needs were and how to solve their problems. His message was always right on target. For the poor, he had good news. For the prisoners, he had freedom. For the blind, he had sight. (Luke 4:18) Jesus brought us all the good news.
This should be the goal for all of God’s followers, to bring the good news to those with problems. This good news should not only help to correct the problem but to help build them up and give them a more positive attitude.
People need to know that someone cares. People need to know that they are appreciated. Encouragement is like a vitamin that our body must have and we cannot manufacture it ourselves. Jesus was encouraged over and over again by his heavenly Father. He is told two times, Matthew 3:17 and 17:5, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” These encouraging words for others are not just flattering words but words that provoke and encourage love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24).
In the world we live in today, as a popular song once said, “seldom is heard an encouraging word.” As Christians we must look for opportunities to give words that will help to build up people spiritually and not tear them down. It’s time for parents, family members, brethren, and all others to build up people and not tear them down. The heavenly Father told his son, Jesus, “I love you.” He also tells us by his actions how much he loves us. His goal is to keep building us up spiritually to be saved and to remain faithful to him.
So here are a few things you can say to help build people up:
- I appreciate what you do.
- Thank you for teaching me.
- Thank you for your good example.
- Thank you for your kindness.
- You really are doing so much better.
These are just tiny statements that when spoken with love and kindness can go a long, long way. Well, it’s time now to put down this bulletin and look around and be a people builder and you will see that it will even help to build yourself up.
