Friday, August 14 Keep encouraging one another and building one another up.​—1 Thess. 5:11.

[Áine]

Friday, August 14

Keep encouraging one another and building one another up.—1 Thess. 5:11.

 

How can we build up others in love? One way is to be a good listener. (Jas. 1:19) To listen with empathy is an act of love. You may ask tactful and sympathetic questions with the aim of understanding the feelings of a sufferer. You will then be able to show empathy and to build up your fellow servant. Let your facial expressions reflect your sincere, loving concern. If the other Christian feels the need to explain things in greater detail, be patient and resist any urge to interrupt. By listening patiently, you will more likely understand the feelings involved. That can help your suffering brother or sister to have confidence in you and thus be more inclined to listen to what you say as you strive to be upbuilding. When you show that you truly care, your loving concern can be very comforting. w18.09 14 ¶10; 15 ¶13