Prayer to build others
by: Amanda Idlman
Bible Reading: Be kind to one another, be kind to one another, forgive one another, as the God of Christ will forgive you. – Ephesians 4:32
Read or listen to the following:
The mention of “eacher” is repeated more than 100 times in the New Testament. This comes from the Greek word allelon. This is “each, each other. mutually.” Most of these passages explain how and sometimes how we do not treat our neighbors, friends, and family.
Repeated phrases in biblical texts generally signal the reader that this idea is important. The fact that the author mentions again and again how it should look in the context of being a follower of Christ, God cares deeply about how our community looks. It’s a hint that there is.
God cares deeply about his relationships with others, and how we treat ourselves.
Matthew 5:23-24 states: Go first and get in harmony with them. Then come and offer your gift. ”
God cares so much about our relationships that he urges us to have a tendency to conflict before coming to worship. When we approach God, we need to be in a good place with our loved ones and communities in any way we control. It is our spiritual duty to build up one another and become as peaceful as possible.
So, what can we actually do to encourage others in our lives and our community?
We can choose grace and bring anger to the Lord. He is the ultimate bringer of justice in this world, and we can trust him with our wounds. This was a lesson I had to learn many times as a foster parent. I’m struggling, stuck, and part of a system that lacks expertise right now. I want to complain a lot, so I want to be upset because things aren’t being handled the way they should be, but God is helping me learn how to leave my frustration to him. I choose to build up people I meet rather than demand more that I don’t actually need to give in this situation.
We speak life as much as possible. How rare is it in today’s world that we receive words of praise and encouragement as adults? Most of us are too busy, too self-conscious, or too self-obsessed to be able to carefully observe and praise others. But those beautiful affirmations can make all the difference in the stories of the people around us. We can hang in the thread and hear the guy doing great things and feel suddenly boosted!
We can serve others every day. Lifting someone else is a physical act. It brings food, helps you draw walls, see children, act as mentors. In our home, it’s all the work we do every day to keep everyone alive! This service is essential to our homes and our community. Even if we are willing to walk with our spouses, children, loved ones, neighbors, etc., there will be more suffering in this world. You are you, and helping others with your talent is a valuable way to lift others up.
Let’s pray:
Father, help us become someone who follows your guidance to live in a way that shows love to each other. Let the grace you have given us flow freely from us. Give us the power to let go of the right thing and trust you to go before us and behind us. My Father helps us have the words we need to encourage those around us. Be bold with the affirmation of others. Let’s see that our service is invaluable and we are willing to provide our hands whenever we can show support to our loved ones. Try to be known for your love for others. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sabrina Bracher
Amanda Idolman is a writer who is passionate about encouraging others to live happily. She writes my daily biblical verse prayers and podcasts, dedication of Cross Walk Couples’ dedication app. She recently published Devotion and Solace. Find out more about Amanda on her Facebook page or follow her on Instagram.
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