Build Up & Encourage
“From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.” - 2 Samuel 1:22-23
David was building up Saul and Jonathan, not tearing them down. He wrote of their great feats on the battlefield. He said they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions. They were mighty men of war. They fought side by side in defense of Israel. As they fought side by side, they also died side by side, father and son.
While there were so many things David could have said negatively about Saul, he would not do it. He honored the king of Israel as a great warrior and defender of the people. He did not want him to be remembered for his failures but for his victories.
Listen, people are always tearing down others instead of building up. It is easier to look at the failures of people instead of their victories. Think of how many people within the body of Christ are tearing people down, at home, at work and at church. They are talking behind people’s backs and yet they call themselves Christians.
We have to be very careful. God calls us to lift one another up in prayer, to hold one another’s hands up in times of trials and distress. He never calls us to teardown. That is the work of the enemy. If you are tearing people down instead of building them up, you are working for the enemy.
Never report what may hurt another unless it be
a greater hurt to conceal it.
~William Penn~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!