Skip to main content

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)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Listen Up

    Is Jesus talking to you? I hear many people wonder how to hear God's voice and what to listen for. I want to offer a bit of wisdom on the topic. If you are wondering if God is talking to you, the answer is yes. We were designed to have a relationship with our creator and He is always there trying to get ahold of you if you'll only pay a little attention.     How does God communicate with us? The first way is through His word. Those are direct words from God Himself, written through His people. The Bible is our instruction manual to life. Whatever difficulty we may be facing, there is always an answer in scripture. God, having known every need before we ever needed it, has already provided an answer. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (ESV)     The second way God communicates with us is by talking directly to us. Just like Adam and Eve spok...
Post a Comment
Read more

1 2 3, Count on Me

     I am thankful to say that for the first time in my life I am surrounded by friends and a community who I know will always build me up and point me in the right direction. More importantly, I know that they will always be honest with me. Honesty is a rare trait these days and I think it to be (combined with love) the most important thing to have in any relationship.    The Bible instructs us to speak life and truth into one another. To be honest and point each other to Christ when we are failing to see straight. I cannot emphasize how much I have grown since having access to that kind of community. Being in close friendships where I am able to be completely honest about my life, my struggles, my thoughts without fear of rejection or judgement is monumental alone. But take that a step further. I have been blessed to have friends that I can not only share my most intimate thoughts with, but they additionally are on their toes looking out for me and honest wh...
4 comments
Read more

Only the Beginning of the Adventure

   When we come to know Jesus, it is not the end of our spiritual journey, but rather the beginning. Some people feel they have their "get out of jail free card" when they get saved and never think of it again except to occasionally show up to church. However, Jesus has not called us to live that way!     We are supposed to work out our own salvation, meaning that we are supposed to draw near to Him and be transformed into His image, step by step. Our lives are not magically perfect when we accept Jesus. On the contrary, we have much adjusting to do. As we get to know Jesus, He changes our thinking to be aligned with His word. It seems too good to be true! But truly, we are transformed by our relationship with Jesus and not by our works.  Philippians 2:12   Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (NIV) 2 Corinthia...
Post a Comment
Read more