Saturday, August 1, 2026

Scripture

“Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up.” 2 Corinthians 12:19c

Reflections

Would you rather be about building up others or tearing them down?

It is easy to speak in ways that tear others down.  People who have been raised in that kind of environment replicate it without even thinking.  It becomes a habit.  The evil one gets his tentacles in us and those ways of life do not change easily.  But what good comes from it? 

Sometimes we do things that have the effect of tearing ourselves down.  The Apostle Paul names “quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder” (12:20).  The evil one absolutely loves that stuff.

Jesus spoke strong words of correction when it was needed.  Still, it was never with the intent of tearing a person down.  He spoke words that convicted people and called them to repentance.  That’s building up people.  It keeps them from bringing more ruin upon their lives.  It was all done in love.

Our calling is to follow in the ways of Jesus.  We are intentional about learning and growing in his ways.  We spend time in the scriptures.  We love others.  We speak words that build up others.  We even speak the truth in love.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to build up others.  Curb and guide my tongue this day.  May all be for the sake of the good of others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:19-21