Without question, we’re living in a world that isn’t very encouraging. We’re dealing with crime, suffering, sickness, pain, etc. Because of this, we all need to build up or encourage one another in these last days. How we can build each other up despite living in a discouraging world? Let’s examine four ways we can do this as well as what building each other up really means.
What Building Each Other Up Means
Building one another up involves being there for the person through good and bad times. It involves being a healthy source of support when that person is in their darkest hour. When groups of people build one another up, they let each other know that they’re always in their corner cheering them on. It doesn’t involve always being negative or discouraging. The world we live in is already all of those things. It wouldn’t make sense to add to their negativity from what they’re already getting from their jobs, schools, families, etc.
How We Can Build Each Other in a Discouraging World
There are many ways we can do better to build one another up in a discouraging world. We can first start by watching what we say or do to people. Positive, upbuilding conversations are always encouraging to someone’s soul. We live in very critical times that aren’t getting any better and it’s important we show every day that we care about each other. Let’s start doing so with these four ways.
Stop Being Critical of One Another
When someone pours their heart to you and they may say something you don’t agree with, don’t be so quick to criticize that person. Stop and think first before saying something you could regret. Ask yourself, Is what I’m going to say going to help them in any kind of way? Is it helpful, encouraging, or positive? While there may be times you have to share things with your friends that they need to hear, it’s also okay to not be so cruel in how we say it. So don’t be so quick to bring a person down verbally.
Listen and Talk Less
As imperfect humans, it’s our unfortunate inclination to talk more in a conversation and listen less. I sometimes have been guilty of doing that. However, it’s not good that we keep making this type of mistake. People feel like you genuinely care about them when you deeply listen to what they’re saying. You show them that you care about their needs, opinions, or problems when you stop, look, and listen to them. That’s a good way to upbuild a person.
Share Something that Could Cheer Them Up
It’s also worth it to share something that could help build that person up. Whether it’s through a simple text message, a message through WhatsApp, or an email, we all could encourage someone with our kind words. A friend of mine who participated in a special Haitian Creole preaching campaign in Boston this month shared with me a special song the friends there made in Haitian Creole. That was very upbuilding and encouraging.
Encourage Them to Pray Each Day
It’s also important we encourage each other to pray to our great god, Jehovah. He’s always there for us when we need him. In a world that’s plagued by high cost of living, endless crime and violence, and so much stress, we need the God of all comfort to build us up. We need to let our friends and family know that they can turn to him if they feel discouraged or lost. He could move them to help you if you’re feeling this same way.
You Can Cope in a Discouraging World
Although it may sound impossible in the back of our minds, it’s quite possible to cope in a discouraging world. If we continue to rely on Jehovah, learn to stop being so critical of one another, listen and talk less, and share things electronically that could build them up, we will be able to thrive. So we must do all we can to build each other up despite living in a discouraging world.
How do you strive to stay upbeat in a discouraging world? What are your different ways of building up others? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you want to build up.
