7 Christian Tips for Building Others Up

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“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25)

All of us will experience a difficult season of our lives. We will know what’s like for someone to encourage us. We may also know what’s like to find ourselves digging further into the ground of our sadness. Knowing this, every believer should strive to be a source of encouragement for those God has placed around them.

It’s not difficult to build others up especially since we have been given the fruit of the Spirit through Jesus Christ. We encourage others even when our own situations are tough because we enter into every day with a thankful heart and the presence of God. Use the following acronym of B-U-I-L-D-U-P to be a source of encouragement to those around you:

(B)-  Be warm and inviting from the heart

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

When we take the time for consistent prayer and Bible study—God’s presence rubs off on us. Our arrival in the home, work, school, or neighborhood should usher in a spirit of peace and joy because we are children of the King. We need to become more aware of whether our presence invites people towards us or turns them away.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

(U)- Use your gifts from the Holy Spirit for discernment

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them?” (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

The Lord knows everything within and around every person walking on the earth at every single moment. Since we are connected to the Holy Spirit, we can pray for discernment on strategic opportunities to encourage other people. Pray even in the midst of a conversation that God will quicken our minds with the right words for the perfect moment.

(I)- Instill the word of God when the opportunity arises

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).

God’s word has answers for every situation in life. As believers we are given insight to the scriptures that can help strengthen and encourage other people. A wise person won’t use the scriptures as a weapon to beat people down with, but rather as a gentle guidance leading the down-trodden towards a way of hope.

(L)- Listen carefully to what they are saying

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

Although we may think we have the perfect answer or comment to build someone up, many times it would be best to let them share first what’s on their heart and mind. We should strive towards patience and self-control while trusting in God to reveal His will in time. Sometimes our strongest encouragement is done without us saying a word and just listening.

(D)- Demonstrate encouragement with your attitude and actions

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Whether or not people share with us about what they think of us, the light of Christ can’t be hid even in the darkest places on earth. How we relate to those who are harsh, judgmental, or unfair reveals how close we are to God. The Spirit of God will equip us to deal with adversity in such a way that people around us are encouraged either in their faith or towards living a life of faith.

Related reading:  8 Ways To Show Love Without Words

(U)- Understand their difficulty instead of downplaying it

“Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none” (Psalm 69:20).

Ignoring the difficulty may not build someone up especially if they are struggling. Sometimes avoiding the tough conversation can make their situation worse because they can’t find empathy. As believers we can ask God for wisdom to give a word of encouragement even in the worst of days. Our response should be sympathetic and grounded in the love of Christ.

(P)-  Press towards the positive

“Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” (Ecclesiastes 9:4).

Hope is for everyone who is alive even when their situations may be incredibly overwhelming. There is hope in Christ for every hardship on earth. God has the power to turn every evil act into an opportunity to reveal His grace, mercy, and strength to those who call on Him. We must press our way towards the hope of Christ at every opportunity.

Let the building process begin!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11).

People are around us every day at work, church, school, and even in our homes. Many of these same people are struggling every day by the words and actions of other people. Most of them are still hearing the hurtful words from their childhood. It is the grace of God that gives us what we need to overcome our own difficulty and become a source of encouragement to the hurting. Spend time praying and asking God to reveal who you can build up today!

Read this article and share it with someone to help build them up:  Words Of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes

Resources – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

Tagged as: Building Others Up, Christian Tips, Encouragement