Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way

Read 2 Corinthians 13:8-10

Head:

When I taught preschool, one of my students’ favorite centers was the block center. Kids love to build the tallest tower they can…and then knock it down! This game never really gets old with a little one. The thrill of watching the tower tumble always results in squeals of joy and laughter. Building up and tearing down may be fun for toddlers, but it’s not fun in relationships. In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul talks about how to use the authority that God has given him as a leader in the church. In verse 10, Paul says God gave him authority in the church “for building you up, not for tearing you down.” So what does that mean for us?

Heart:

Our words and actions have the power to build others up or to tear them down. I am sure that we can all remember kind words someone said to us that lifted us up; we can also remember words that tore us down and left us hurting. Especially in the body of Christ, we should strive to encourage each other in word and deed. Sometimes, painful truths need to be spoken, but they should be spoken in love and with the intent of healing and making things healthier and stronger. 

Hands: 

Where has God given you influence and authority?