Build Up!

November 23, 2023

Build Up!

It is easy to tear down another person.  Not just the words we say, but the tone of our voice or the look in our eyes can steal away the joy and peace and love in another person.  Our words and our actions can tear down another person who moments before was positive, enthusiastic, and energized.

The phone rang and I answered.  Less than five minutes later I felt confused, rejected, and sad.  The person meant no harm to me and actually was very kind.  However, I was vulnerable. 

For several months, I had been struggling with the sadness and loneliness that comes with grief.  For several weeks, I had been struggling with feeling both overwhelmed with the immensity of a new responsibility and struggling to find my purpose in life.  My heart was a bit fragile.

Although it was not the intent of the person who called, I felt more than a little tore down.  It was a very powerful reminder that you and I possess great capacity to tear down other people. 

A glance or a gesture or a word can tear down.

Betrayal or rejection or dishonesty can tear down.

Intolerance or abuse or racism can tear down.

Deep loss or help withheld or words left unspoken can tear down.

Most all of us know what it is like to be tore down.  It is helpful to remember that Jesus our Savior was not exempt from being tore down.

People tore Jesus down by stripping off His clothes. 

People tore Jesus down by saying they never met Him. 

People tore Jesus down by laying a heavy cross on His back. 

People tore Jesus down by ridiculing Him in a court room. 

People tore Jesus down by bringing a whip down hard on His back 39 times. 

People tore Jesus down by putting Him up on a cross to die. 

People tore Jesus down by thrusting a spear up under His ribs. 

Jesus understands what it is like when you and I are tore down.  The Apostle Paul understood, too.  In II Corinthians 10:8 Paul writes; “Now, even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.”

Because sin leads us to tear down other people, especially the people closest to us, we are called by the Word of God to build up one another. 

An encouraging word, a kind act, and a sincere prayer will build up another person.  An offer to help, an invitation to come along, and a wave from across the room will build up another person.  A conversation without distractions, a visit in-person, and a simple note card will build up another person.  

So much is tearing down the people around us.  Every one of us knows someone who needs you and me to make the time and give the energy to build them up today.  When you build up that person their heart and your heart will be filled with more and more delight in the goodness of God.

Take time each day for the next week to build up someone you know who has been tore down.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug