Give Thanks To Build Up!

November 14

Give Thanks To Build Up!

Giving thanks is not all about you!

Last week I challenged you to give thanks to Jesus for three small things each day for the next 22 days (until Thanksgiving Day!).  The danger for some of us is that all 66 of those small things for which we give thanks may end up focusing upon you. 

That’s not a good thing!

In I Corinthians 14:17 Paul writes, “For you may give thanks well enough, but the other person is not built up.” 

Paul is very clear that even though we are giving thanks (that is a good thing!), our expressions of thanksgiving may not be making a positive difference in the lives of other people.  Paul encourages us to let our thanksgiving be, at least in part, about building up other people.

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

As you continue to give thanks to Jesus for three small things each day this week, shift the focus from the things that encourage you to some small things that are or will build up another person.  In other words, commit to giving thanks for three small things each day in a way that builds up another person during the next seven days. 

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

Let me challenge you a bit further.  Choose a person with whom there is a bit of stress or strain in your relationship with them.  Or, choose a person with whom you disagree.  Or, choose a person with whom you have a history of hurting or disappointing one another.   

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

Here are a few ways to build up another person.

First, be grateful for who they are more than what they have done for you or to you.  And, let Jesus and that person know you are grateful for who they are and who they are becoming.

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

Second, listen to their story even if you already know their story.  One of the best ways to build up a person is to let them know you care.  We let other people know we care by listening to their story. 

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

Third, offer a word of encouragement especially when they are faced with a challenge or struggle.  Our world is slow to offer words of encouragement.  Too often, we fail to offer words of encouragement because of who we are rather than who the other person is.  Do I feel too insecure, vulnerable, or intimidated?  Do I feel too afraid, too sad, or too angry?  What is standing in the way of me offering a word of encouragement this week?

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

Fourth, do an act of kindness.  Nothing will change your heart and the other person’s life faster than doing an unexpected and maybe even undeserved act of kindness for them.

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

Fifth, support the person when they are convinced no one will ever stand beside them or stand up for them.  Remember, you can stand beside a person even when you do not fully agree with all they are doing or not doing.

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

The Apostle Paul was aware there were more than a few Christ-followers in the church at Corinth who were worshipping the Lord, sharing thanksgiving to the Christ, and offering prayers of gratitude to God the Father.  However, with all those good things happening, other people in the church and the community were not being built up.

Give thanks to Jesus in a way that builds up another person.

One of the greatest joys in my life is being with a person whose life is being built up.  When you are a part of building up another person, your heart and their heart will be filled with delight in and gratitude for the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug