Be a builder

We live in a world where it's easier than ever to criticize, critique, and chastise people. Social media, once meant to connect people to each other, is so often used to tear others down.

But even before the advent of social media or the internet, humans have had a knack for hurting each other with their words. As a younger man, even the great Abraham Lincoln was known at times to use cruel sarcasm to take down his political opponents.

But God's Word instructs us to take a different path.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul encourages the brothers and sisters in that church to "encourage each other and build each other up."

Encouragement and positive words are powerful tools to motivate others. Research shows that positive words have both mental and physical benefits. When you believe that someone else believes in you, you're motivated to keep going, to believe you are capable of achieving a goal.

What's more, encouragement and building up is not a one-time thing. Positive words need to be repeated often because research has also shown that positive words are difficult to remember, while negative words are hard to forget.

It's no wonder that Paul encouraged the church to continually encourage one another, to keep building each other up.

We all need cheerleaders in our life. And the truth is that it costs you very little to use your words to encourage others around you.

You have the choice to either build or tear down. Choose to be a builder.