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Building Up and Moving Forward

    When we talk to those who are struggling through tough circumstances or with their faith, what do we do for them? We may feel helpless hearing about their struggles but there are some simple things you can do to help others. The body of Christ is supposed to lift each other up and encourage one another to move forward. Are you fulfilling that duty? 

    The first and most important thing you can do when you hear about someone's difficult circumstance is to pray-- and actually do it. In Christian culture we often throw out the phrase, "I'll pray for you" but how often do we actually follow through? We mean well by it but we often get distracted and forget. Do what you have to to make sure you are praying. Write a reminder to yourself or pray right then and there! Jesus hears you anytime, anywhere. Pray and invite Him to intervene in the situation. Next, we should encourage them with God's truth. Let them know that it will all be okay and remind them of what the Bible says on that topic. Share scriptures with them to back it up. Lastly, if you can physically do anything to help them out then do so! Put your faith into action and help in any way you can or that you feel Jesus is leading you. 

    Those might sound like very simple pointers because they are. However, it's the little things each day that encourage us to keep moving forward. If you can offer that to someone-- Christian or not-- why wouldn't you? Try applying this to your life and see how things begin to change. You may be surprised to find that when you encourage others you also leave encouraged. Be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ today and help your brothers and sisters with their journey of faith.

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

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (ESV)

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? (NIV)

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (NLT)

James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (ESV)

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