Build Each Other Up
Build Each Other Up
We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
Carisa moved around to a few different school settings when she was growing up. Because of this, she fell behind in her studies and struggled with reading. The year she was adopted, her new home brought other new environments, including a new school. Although she was naturally outgoing, she felt nervous and worried about catching up on her schoolwork and making friends at her new school.
But when Carisa met Tamara, she knew Tamara was different—in a good way. Tamara didn’t make Carisa feel judged for the things she struggled with in school. Instead, her new friend supported and encouraged her. When Carisa would write out rough drafts, Tamara would read through them for her before Carisa wrote the final draft, praising her efforts and offering feedback. When Carisa slept over at her house, Tamara would read aloud to help Carisa fall asleep and feel less alone. They played video games and ate chips and salsa, spending time doing everything or nothing together. As long as they were together, they had fun.
Paul reminds us in the book of Romans that, as Christians, we should build each other up. This can take a lot of different forms. You could tell your friend you’re happy to see them, help them study for a test, or work on a project together. You might compliment them on something they did well or a characteristic they have that you admire, or you might speak encouraging words to them when they’re having a bad day.
Building each other up increases our faith and helps us grow spiritually. Whenever you go out of your way to build up a friend, you meet their needs in a way that is both loving and God-honoring. And when we choose to build one another up, we not only strengthen our faith, we also strengthen our friendships.
Things to Think About
- Who in your life is good at building you up?
- Why do you think it’s important to build up our friends?
- What are five ways you could build up a friend?
DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP
Using the list you brainstormed, choose one way you could build up a friend—then do it.
Friendship in Action
Organize a “Secret Friends” exchange with a group of friends. First, decide how long the exchange will last—a week or a month are typical. Next, each girl in the group should draw the name of another girl, keeping the name she drew a secret. Then, each day (if it’s for a week) or each week (if it’s a month), each friend should give or do something small and encouraging for the friend whose name they drew. At the end, reveal who your Secret Friend was!
From the book
