CONSTRUCTING OR DESTRUCTING
CONSTRUCTING OR DESTRUCTING
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. —I Corinthians 14:3
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. —I Corinthians 14:12
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. —I Corinthians 14:26
Am I seeking to build or tear down? Am I seeking to encourage or discourage? Am I seeking to console or depress people? As I reflect on my walk with Jesus, are these positive qualities or negative characteristics prevalent?
When I speak to people, do they feel built up? Do they feel encouraged? Do they feel consoled? I am grateful to those who do this for me. When I feel torn down, they build me up. When I feel discouraged, they encourage. When I feel depressed they console.
Mostly, I am truly grateful that my Lord Jesus being right there with me and does not give up on me and still works in and through me during these downward times. I am grateful that He “is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). He is One that says, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and that He is “with you until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Yes, I am grateful that He “is patient with (me), not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). What I have found during these downtimes is that if I allow myself to close up completely then the discouragement will become greater. But, if I allow myself to be open then He works in and through me even during those times. Trials are not mean to destroy us, but to build us up.
So this week-end I have been in one of those downtimes. I am grateful to those fellow believers that are an oasis of encouragement. They probably, like most of us, do not understand how much they have an impact in helping one through the desert of discouragement. But, they are like a cold drink in a dry and weary land and I am truly grateful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DorNUsi5LE
Dear Father may I be one that builds up, one that consoles, one that encourages and may this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. Yes, so be it.