Building Each Other Up

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:9)

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

As a Body of believers, each one of us are responsible for building the Kingdom of God. One important aspect in this process is being actively involved in building one another up.

Building Each other is to encourage others by our words and deeds.

It is encouraging to visit the fitness centers. In that busy place, I’m surrounded by others who are striving to improve their physical health and strength. Posted signs remind us not to judge each other, but words and actions that reveal support for others’ conditioning efforts are always welcomed. What a great picture of how things should look in the spiritual realm of life! We are striving to “get in shape” spiritually, to grow in our faith. But as members of God’s family, we have a responsibility to help each other grow in faith. We’re told to “encourage one another,” to “build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11), and to “be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2).

Paul gave us this short, direct suggestion: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). And to the believers in Rome he wrote: “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2). Recognizing that our Father is so lovingly gracious with us, let’s show God’s grace to others with encouraging words and actions. As we “accept one another” (v. 7), let’s entrust our spiritual growth to God—to the work of His Spirit. And while we daily seek to follow Him, may we create an atmosphere of encouragement for our brothers and sisters in Jesus as they also seek to grow in their faith.

Building Each other is to share our talents and blessings.

"The Carpenter encouraged the goldsmith" (Isaiah 41 7)

The Carpenter operates on wood and the goldsmith on gold. One uses a hammer and chisel the other works with the fine instruments you might think the goldsmith inspired the carpenter but it is the other way around. A servant girl led Naaman to the prophet for healing. Professional achievements aren't what make the difference in the world. It's living a life that strives to honor the Lord, even when no one else is watching. When you help someone put food on their table or help get their coat on, you may be helping them with a lot more than you realize.

Jesus reinforced this very same principle in Mark 12:42-44. Jesus also taught this same principle in the parable of the ten talents. Each was given according to their ability. Jesus’ expectations always correspond with his gifting. Those who are greatly gifted shouldn’t assume they are more successful than others because their output seems greater. Those who are less gifted or at a different point in life shouldn’t assume that they are failing. You may be serving beyond God’s expectations. We do not compare ourselves to others but keep our focus on serving Christ to our greatest potential there is much less opportunity or inclination to squabble or criticize one another. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Our words and actions should help others to become their best in all walks of life. (Proverbs 27:17).

Building each other means to comfort each other in their sufferings.

“The body of Christ” is a mysterious phrase used more than 30 times in the New Testament. The apostle Paul especially settled on that phrase as an image of the church. After Jesus ascended to heaven, He turned over His mission to flawed and bumbling men and women. He assumed the role of head of the church, leaving the tasks of arms, legs, ears, eyes, and voice to the erratic disciples—and to you and me.

Jesus’s decision to operate as the invisible head of a large body with many parts means that He often relies on us to help one another cope during times of suffering. The apostle Paul must have had something like that in mind when he wrote these words: “[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Cor. 1:4–5). And all through his ministry Paul put that principle into practice, taking up collections for famine victims, dispatching assistants to go to troubled areas, acknowledging believers’ gifts as gifts from God Himself.

“I take care of him. When he’s happy, I’m happy,” says Stella. Merle replies, “I’m happy when she’s around.” Merle and Stella have been married for 79 years. When Merle was recently admitted to a nursing home, he was miserable—so Stella gladly brought him home. He’s 101, and she’s 95. Though she needs a walker to get around, she lovingly does what she can for her husband, such as preparing the food he likes. But she couldn’t do it on her own. Grandchildren and neighbors help with the things Stella can’t manage.