4:335 – Congrats! You Did It!

#faithbites #faithjourney congrats

Setting

Today, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a friend had completed a major milestone. Instead of just commenting on his post, I picked up the phone (the computer) and did a video call with him. It was a chance to say Congrats and just catch up a bit. I think he enjoyed it and it perked my spirits. Granted, now I want to buy another toy and learn to fly an airplane but that’s another story.

Life isn’t made to be lived alone. Taking time to build each other up, saying congrats, and just living life together is what we should do.

Today’s Questions: How do you build other people up? When was the last time you just randomly called someone to say Congrats or just catch up?

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
• 1 Corinthians 14:26 – What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Reflection

Our verses show two important pieces of the congratulations phone call. The first is to encourage and build each other up. When we recognize accomplishments we tell someone what is good. This helps them to want to do more. It can be something small or something large, don’t hesitate to say it. The second piece is meeting together. Both Hebrews and 1 Corinthians tells us to meet and come together. It may not be possible to just go and knock on someone’s door, calling them on the phone or doing a video chat is a close second. Continue to meet, congratulate, and share everything that God has given.

As we close, remember that supporting each other and recognizing what they do is a great thing. The flip side is we have to be good at accepting it. More to come on that. For today, call someone up who has done something and congratulate them.

Prayer

Lord God, help us to always share your glory. Whether it is one of our accomplishments or someone else’s, let us always give you the glory. Lord, we pray that you help us break through any resistance we might have to tell someone congrats. Let us build those communities that divide burdens and multiple celebrations. We know this is how you want us to live. We pray this in your great name, Amen.