Comfort one another. Edify one another. Love one another. This is our commission among the brethren according to 1Thessalonians 5:11:
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
A simple word of encouragement, a pat on the shoulder, a hug, a smile, a kind word—all of these will comfort fellow believers and edify the Body of Christ.
Are you a part of building up or tearing down the brethren? Do you talk behind the back of fellow believers or do you look them in the eye and tell them how blessed you are to know them?
Ours is a ministry of reconciliation. One important aspect of this “ministry” is to reconcile ourselves to one another. One of the most commonly used tools of the enemy is strife among the brethren. We need to be on the lookout to prevent him from using us as his pawn to tear apart the Body.
Make a conscious effort today to be a “builder” of the Body. Comfort and edify those with whom you come in contact. Pray that God will use you to minister His life, His love, His comfort to them. Be wise to the enemy’s schemes and stop him before he starts. Put a guard over your mouth and do not allow anything which is not true, honest, just, or pure to be spoken. But, on the other hand, speak forth those things which are lovely, of a good report, things full of virtue, and full of praise! Let blessing flow forth from your mouth today and every day, glorifying God in all you say and do.
Father, so many times I have used my comments and criticisms to tear down rather than build up. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to be one who brings comfort to those with whom I come in contact. Help me, Lord, to edify my brothers and sisters in the Lord so You will be glorified in all I say and do! Amen!
© Jan Ross
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