Strengthen One Another

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

1 Corinthians 10:23–24

You and I are called to build up and strengthen one another. I am called to build you up. You are called to build me up. I must be very careful not to tear you down by my actions, inaction, or words.

Tearing down is the polar opposite of our calling in Scripture. Edifying one another doesn’t happen accidentally. Be on your knees before God, asking Him to fill you with His Spirit and show you opportunities. Be filled with the Word of God and begin to see people as individuals who need to be built up. Fight off the inevitable distractions and interruptions.

Paul is saying, “There are many things I might do and many things I might say. But my first concern ought to be, ‘Will this build up or tear down my brother or sister in the body?’ ”