I’ve just had the most amazing, activity-drenched weekend in a long time. Some of you might have been privy to a benefit concert my siblings and I arranged in a very short space of time. There’s no doubt about it, God was in the mix. The support from family and friends was so encouraging. Even as I thank folks for the support, I’m drawn to Today’s Holy Nougat.
Jude 1:20 CEB
[20] But you, dear friends: build each other up on the foundation of your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit,
Building Together
Jude’s letter, written to the called and beloved of God, is an invitation to godliness and perseverance in the face of immorality and the ‘present evil’ round about them. After expounding on God’s judgement on evildoers, Jude offered advice that is beneficial to us today. One such is the encouragement to build each other up.
For me, to build up is not just about losing the foundations as some exegetes propose. It also includes providing support, both admonition and caution, as needed.
Self-Check
How do we respond/react to others building us up? Are we known for our willingness to support others?
Application
Strictly speaking, the support offered for the benefit concert isn’t entirely building one up in the faith. Yet, not only was the programme faith- inspiring, but the proceeds go toward supporting a student with tuition fees for the remainder of their university studies. One might argue that the spiritual life of the scholarship recipient isn’t affected. If so, I beg to differ. For a person of faith, everything is spiritual. Everything. It is a double winner, I’d say!
For you, building up might be a word of encouragement at just the right time, exhortation and reflection on God’s Word, prayer over our circumstances (whether we’re aware or not), an offer of support or accompaniment through a difficult or challenging moment, or a reminder to remain faithful despite. It is even more poignant when we allow God’s Spirit to direct our action.
For those who supported the benefit concert in any way, thank you.
For all those who have built me up, thank you.
For those who continue to build me and/ or countless others, thank you.
For those who sacrificially gave for another’s ‘upliftment’, thank you.
For those who continue to teach, exhort, and encourage, thank you
For those who move at the direction of God’s Spirit to transform the lives of others, thank you.
Thanks be to God for all we do to be points of upliftment for others in the faith, by God’s Spirit.
Application
Think about those who have helped to build us up. Thank them, and pray for their ongoing spiritual growth.
Try to encourage one person in the faith today.
May all we seek be found in Christ
