3 Ways to Build Up Others

by Annie Yorty

In my blog post, Labels That Matter Most, I compared human labels and God’s labels. The labels we slap on ourselves and others inevitably come up short. But God’s labels always perfectly reflect who we are. When we understand His labels, they help us build up others.

Useful Purposes for Labels

Labels inform and warn. I regularly consult labels because they tell me what’s inside the package and how products should be used. By them, I objectively compare different products. I also use them to categorize. My closet has labeled drawers in which my craft addiction is all neatly organized and stored by item. (At least, that’s the theory. I confess it might be a reality only one day per year.)

Labels on people can also be helpful. Your job title, a type of label, identifies your work skills. A medical label helps a doctor treat your symptoms. A disability label may qualify you for needed services.

Build Up Others

God rescued us from our sins and called us to live out His character and His purposes. We cannot accurately reflect Him unless we understand the truth about our new identity.

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 NLT)

This verse identifies some of God’s labels for us. We are His chosen people, saved from eternal condemnation by the death of His Son. We belong to Him. He loves us. In that identity, we can encourage and build up others.

3 Ways God’s Labels Help Us Build Up Others

Wouldn’t it be nice to walk up to another person and flip them inside out to read a label that informs you about care needs? In the Bible, we find care tags written by God to direct us in relationships.

As important as it is to understand our own labels, we must also pin only God’s labels—not our own—on others. The more we internalize the truth of our own identity, the less we will falsely label others. God will help us use these labels to build up others.

1. Believe what God says about you and choose to live it out.

There’s always complete truth in God’s labeling. Labels tell us how to respect ourselves. They also show us how to rightly see ourselves in relation to God. The Bible gives us the right way to live so we receive the best care possible. For example, if we believe we are valuable to God, we will avoid harmful influences to our body, mind, and spirit.

2. Recognize God’s labels apply to everyone.

We all crave the care of God, who intimately understands our specific needs. When someone irritates us, though, we easily forget they have similar holes waiting to be filled. We don’t like to put the labels “treasured,” “valuable,” “brother,” or “sister” on someone who is difficult.

We resist responding with encouragement to the person spouting crazy politics, the neighbor whose dog leaves “gifts” in our yard, or the eye-rolling teen. And what about those who go far beyond mere annoyance to actual harm? We might be more tempted to tear down than build up the coworker who talks behind our back, or the family member whose words cut to the quick.

Might God be leading you to build up one of those difficult individuals in your life? He will show you how to care for them according to their needs. God’s truth in labeling applies to everyone, even if they seem unlovable or choose not to put their faith in God.

3. Treat others in the way you want to be treated.

Jesus reinforced the standard of the Golden Rule in His teachings.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12 NLT).

We usually don’t have trouble hoping for the best for ourselves. Building up others by offering our best comes harder. It would be impossible without a proper understanding of their value to God.

The Hands and Feet of God

While a person’s needs can be fully met only in Christ, God wants us to be His hands and feet to build up others in their God-given identity.

We all know people who have not yet begun a relationship with Christ. They desperately need to see His light in us to shine into their darkness. We also know fellow believers who need encouragement to grow in Christ and serve Him wholeheartedly.

God’s Promise

God promises our efforts to build up others will never be in vain.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58NLT)

Friends, God’s labels are the only ones that matter. Will you take the time today to imagine them on those around you—that needy friend, your broken family member, the unsaved coworker? Will you step in and provide the care God recommends?

Join the conversation:

Would you share a time when God led you to be His hands and feet to someone in need? How did it change your heart?

I welcome your comments!

Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty

These contents are adapted with permission from Crosswalk.com.

From Ignorance to Bliss

What do you do when life comes at you sideways? From Ignorance to Bliss demonstrates how God uses the unexpected in life to grow and change those who are willing.

Readers receive inspiration and hope through a transparent dive into real life with Alyssa, who has Down syndrome. Annie offers stories of God’s faithfulness from before diagnosis and birth through adulthood.

Filled with humor, poignance, and practical insights, topics include expectations, education, stress, medical issues, recreation, work, siblings and friends, rejection and disappointment, and triumphs and joy.