A Prayer for Building Others Up
By: Amanda Idleman
Bible Reading: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32
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The mention of “one another” is repeated over 100 times in the New Testament. This comes from the Greek word allelon which means “one another, each other; mutually reciprocally.” Most of these passages address how and sometimes how not to treat our neighbors, friends, and families.
When a phrase is repeated in the biblical text, it generally is a signal to the reader that this idea is important. The fact that the authors mention over and over what relationships should look like in the context of being a Christ follower is a hint that God cares deeply about what our communities look like.
God cares deeply about our relationships with others and also cares about how we treat ourselves.
Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
God so cares about our relationships that he urges us to go tend to any disputes before coming to worship. When we approach God we need to be in a good place with our loved ones and community in any way that we have control over. It’s our spiritual duty to build each other up and to be peacemakers whenever we can.
What then can we practically do to encourage others in our lives and community?
We can choose grace and bring our anger to the Lord. He is the ultimate bringer of justice in this world, we can trust him with our hurts. This has been a lesson I’ve had to learn many times over as a foster parent. I am now a part of a system that struggles, is bogged down, lacks expertise, and it’s just messy. So many times I want to complain, get upset because things are not handled the way they should be, but God is helping me learn how to entrust him with all my frustrations. I choose to build up the people I encounter rather than demand more they really don’t have to give in this situation.
We speak life whenever possible. How rare is it in today's world to receive a compliment or encouraging word as adults? Most of us are too busy, too self-conscious, or too self-obsessed to carefully observe and give praise to others. But those beautiful words of affirmation can make all the difference in the stories of those around us. We can be hanging on by a thread and then hear man you're doing great and suddenly feel boosted!
We can serve others daily. Sometimes lifting others up is a physical act. It is bringing a meal, it’s helping paint a wall, watching a kid, or acting as a mentor. In our homes it’s all the work we do daily to keep everyone alive and well! This service is vital to our homes and communities. Without willing hands to walk alongside our spouse, children, loved ones, neighbors, and more there would be so much more suffering in this world. You being you, helping others with your talents is a valuable way to lift others up.
Let’s Pray:
Father, help us be people who are obedient to your instruction to live in a way that shows love to one another. Let the grace you give us flow freely from us. Give us the strength to let go of our right to be right and trust you to go before us and behind us. Father helps us have the words we need to encourage those around us. Let us be bold in our affirmation of others. Let us see that our service is so valuable and offer willing hands whenever we can to show support to those we love. Let us be known for our love for others. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sabrina Bracher
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