Build others up

*Build others up* 

“Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”    1 Corinthians 14:12

As a Body of believers, each one of us are responsible for building the Kingdom of God. One important aspect in this process is being actively involved in building one another up.

The church is a place where we should be build up - not hurt, broken down and rejected.

Essentially, we should note that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are tools we should use to edify one another, to encourage one another and to comfort one another.

Unfortunately, these gifts are very often dormant in the church - whereas they should always be evident and in use. They should be used to build up individuals as well as to build up the Body of Christ. Then we will see the church stand in unity, in one accord, be in fellowship one with the other and have supernatural love for one another.

The Word of God teaches us that His church is made up of many believers - each one has a vital role to play in fulfilling God's plan and purpose. So if there are members who are not functioning to their full potential, we need to exercise the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in restoring those individuals by means of edification, encouragement and comfort.

Life is tough - there are so many negative things which we have to overcome on a daily basis, which leave us helpless, tired, discouraged and defeated. That is why each member of the church is responsible to exercise and release these gifts to the Body so that we can walk in victory.

Any Body of believers should regard every individual as family - as brother and sisters in Christ. We are told that we will face many trials and persecutions in this life. We should therefore always build each other up in the faith.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are tools and not weapons. The Bible tells us that we are in a constant spiritual battle with the enemy, the devil. So the Gifts should not be used in engaging the enemy - they should be directing at the members of the church. We have one weapon in our warfare with the devil - the sword of the Spirit. Let us use that effectively in our battle with him, making sure we have put on the whole armour of God.

We should make sure we are always built up by the power of God's Spirit. That will ensure that we can be used effectively to build others up.

The Bible tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. We should use words which of edification, encouragement and comfort to build up the faith of others. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit - not just come into the service and walk out. 

We must use every event, whether spiritual or social, to edify someone.

The Bible tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. When God's gifts are not used for what they are intended, I am sure that the Spirit is grieved. We should never ignore the presence, power and ability of God in our lives.

We should not use words to break down or criticize. Every word, every action should be geared towards helping others in need.

 *Question to Ponder:* 

Am I building others up?

Have a blessed week that you would always seek to build others up!

(Justin, Angela and Jeanna)