Words of Wisdom Heal

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 

Romans 14:19 

It goes without saying, that God wants us to build one another up.  In fact, the word used for "build one another up" comes from a root word meaning "architecture."  It is the supporting structure attached to the foundation (Christ) that keeps everything together. It carries the idea of strengthening one another, to make one another more able to face the challenges of living.    Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.(Ph'p.3:14)" To complete the course we need encouragement to keep running, to keep pursuing!  Young, old, we are in the race together. There will be people that will drop out, walk out, and fall out. While we wish that this would not happen, it does. But, we can minimize this by being there for one another and helping to be someone's strength when they have need.  The writer of Hebrews states,  “Encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV).

God does this for us. He “supports us in every hardship, so that we are able to come to the support of others, in every hardship of theirs because of the encouragement that we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:14). In the same way, God wants us be patient with one another, supportive of one another. Even after we grow close enough to each other to learn one another’s quirks and annoying little habits, we still stick by each other’s side. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “With all humility and gentleness, and with patience, support each other in love” (Eph 4:2).

Is there someone who could use your encouragement today? Don’t wait until later! Encourage them now. This is vital, because they may not be here to run the race tomorrow. Your words of encouragement may be just what they need to make it another day!  So, today you have a choice. Will you build up? Or will you tear down?

Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal . ~ Pro 12:18    

Jim