Read: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV
In cities and states all around us there are buildings that have been torn down.
Remembering how it took months of steady work to build it.
How in a day we can see a building demolished.
One day it was standing and the next day nothing was left.
The same can hold true when it comes to encouraging someone in faith.
It can take time and effort to help build them up in their Christian walk.
But it can take only minutes to bring them down with a harsh word of criticism.
The words we speak have a significant impact on someone’s life.
Each of us have had times when we have to learn from our mistakes.
Needing an encouraging word.
Words that help us to make the needed changes in our lives.
Not ones that would bring us down.
Those are the times when we should be testifying to one another.
Telling that person how we made it through.
How we changed our ways for the better.
To be a support for them as they evaluate their lives.
None of us have mastered everything.
We still have things to learn concerning our spiritual walk.
That is where God’s grace and mercy plays a big part in our lives.
Even the Christians in Corinth were not perfect.
Paul knew that there were false teachers disturbing the peace of the church.
They were even trying to undermine his influence on the people.
But instead of him letting this stop him from building the faith of those around him, he took a more positive step.
He spoke to all who called upon Christ.
Saying, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV).
Acknowledging God’s pardoning mercies, sanctifying grace, and comforting peace.
How it was all possible through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
He knew that a sinner could have no peace with God, but through Christ.
That is why he started off by commending them.
All for their outward expressions regarding Christ’s return.
As Christians, let us be the ones who builds people up,
Not the one that tears people down.
We know there is power in the words we speak.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we know that being corrected is good, but encouragement is even better. It does more to keep us growing stronger in faith. Knowing that through You all things are possible. Let us continue to build each other up and not tear each other down. We know there is power in the words we speak. Thank You for giving us the right words and the knowledge of how to speak to them.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen