A time to break down, and a time to build up. Ecclesiastes 3:3b ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 ESV

When my children were young, they loved to build with blocks. My daughter loved Mega blocks; they were like Lego blocks but much bigger. She would build chairs to sit in and tables to work on. My son loved Legos; he built cars and boats and buildings and robotic creatures. But they both always loved to see just how high they could build up a tower before it fell over.

All of our verses for today, talk about building up people. Our verse from Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything, a time to build up and a time to break down. Our other two verses are from Paul’s letters to new Christian churches. Paul’s advice is that we should build each other up and encourage each other. And how we build others up is by speaking kindly and encouraging them and helping them to be better and feel better.

As an example, let’s say you got an A on a math test and your friend got a C and he’s very upset. You could “break him down” and tell him he’s not very smart because it was easy for you. How would those words make him feel? Or you could “build him up” and tell him that you will help him with math so that he will get a better grade on the next test. How would those words make him feel?

Paul tells us that we have the power to choose to build other people up. Which would you rather people did for you, build you up or break you down? The next time you are speaking with a friend or anyone, remember what you would like for others to do for you. Take time to listen and then try to be kind and encourage others. Build up others and I predict that they will also be kind and try to build you up, too!

This week talk with your parents about building others up. You know that you can also help to build up your parents and your family. The next time your mom or dad has a hard day at work, choose your words and your actions to build them up. You could help your parents cook dinner or help them to relax. You can also build up your brothers and sisters by helping or playing with them when they ask. Think about how you can help build up others that you talk with.

Blessings and joy as you choose to build others up!