Build Others

Profound truths often come at the intersection of two or more important truths that seem to hold each other in tension or to refine each other. Dealing with other people’s shortcomings, failures, and sin is no exception. On the one hand, we hear Christ say, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 1:7). On the other hand, James tells us, “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). With these two passages in mind, consider John’s description of Jesus. Very briefly, he tells us Jesus was filled with “grace and truth” (John 1:14). We all know the pain of being corrected. It’s not at all pleasant, and yet Proverbs tell us that if we “rebuke the wise and they will love you” (Proverbs 9:8). If we are to authentically love people, we must carefully consider how we build others up. Building others up will at times involve helping them see a faulty foundation so there is something firm upon which to build. But foundation work is both sensitive and invasive. To do this, a person must really know what they are doing, and they must have the kind of relationship where these kind of conversations have hope of being productive. The process is both spiritual and pragmatic. It takes prayer, and it takes thoughtfulness. We must be careful of our own perspective and motives, and we must carefully consider the perspective and receptivity of our friends. To neglect their well-being is unloving, but to neglect their readiness is useless at best and destructive at worst. Scripture speaks broadly to how we build each other up. Careful thought to the topic will empower us to both authentically and productively love those we truly do love.