Scripture:
- Ephesians 4:11-16
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Romans 14:19
- Hebrews 10:24-25
Devotional Thought:
Serving isn’t just about meeting physical needs. It’s also about building people up spiritually and emotionally. Paul says we’re called to “encourage one another and build each other up.” That’s a form of service too—using your words, your time, and your presence to strengthen someone else’s faith.
The church is described as a body where each part has a function. When one part isn’t working, the whole body suffers. But when each part does its job—when we all serve one another with our gifts—the body grows healthy and strong. Your contribution matters. The way you encourage, equip, and support others has a ripple effect.
Think about the people who have built you up over the years. The ones who believed in you when you doubted yourself. The ones who spoke truth when you were confused. The ones who stood by you when you were struggling. That’s the kind of impact you can have on others when you choose to serve them through encouragement and support.
Building others up doesn’t require a title or a platform. It just requires intentionality. It requires noticing when someone’s discouraged and speaking life. Recognizing when someone’s gifted and calling it out. Seeing when someone’s struggling and stepping in to help.
When you serve by building others up, you’re not just helping them—you’re strengthening the entire body of Christ.
Reflection Questions:
- Who in your life right now needs to be encouraged, affirmed, or built up?
- When was the last time you intentionally spoke words of life into someone who was struggling?
- How could you use your gifts, your time, or your words this week to strengthen someone else’s faith?
Application:
Think of one person in your church or community who needs encouragement. This week, reach out to them. It could be a text, a phone call, a handwritten note, or a conversation over coffee. Tell them what you see in them. Remind them of God’s truth. Speak life. Use your words to build them up, and watch how God uses that act of service to strengthen both of you.