Building Up, Not Tearing Down: A Call to True Christianity

What does it mean to live as a follower of Christ? John 10:10 offers us a striking contrast between the mission of Christ and the mission of the thief. While the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Christ’s purpose is to give life—and life in abundance. This blog explores whether our own lives reflect the life-giving nature of Christ or whether, perhaps unintentionally, we sometimes act more like the thief. Are we building others up, or are we tearing them down? Let’s take a closer look and find practical ways to align our actions with Christ’s mission.

When we act like the thief, we steal, kill, and destroy—sometimes without even realizing it. Here are ways we might fall into this trap:

• Stealing from Others: We steal people’s joy, dreams, or sense of worth by our words or actions. For instance, through gossip or slander, we rob others of their reputation and peace. Proverbs 16:28 warns, "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."
  
  
• Killing Aspirations and Confidence: With our critical words, we sometimes kill people’s confidence or dreams. By making someone feel inferior, we destroy their ability to see themselves as God sees them. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, "The tongue has the power of life and death." Are we speaking life or death over others?
  
  
• Destroying Relationships: Our competitive nature and judgmental attitudes can tear down relationships. Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35 calls us to love one another as He has loved us, but how often do we allow pride or jealousy to create division instead of unity?
  

Christ’s mission is clear—He came to give life and give it abundantly. He calls us to do the same. One of the most striking examples of this is His interaction with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Instead of condemning her, He asked, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" When she replied that no one had, He said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus restored her dignity and offered her a fresh start.

Do we follow this example today? Too often, we hasten to condemn or criticize those who stumble, eager to see them fall further. This is not the way of Christ. Galatians 6:1 encourages us to "restore that person gently."

1. Speak Words of Life: Choose to encourage, uplift, and inspire. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up."
   
   
2. Celebrate Others’ Successes: Resist jealousy or comparison. Rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15).
   
   
3. Offer Forgiveness and Grace: When someone wrongs you, choose forgiveness, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15. Forgiveness not only restores relationships but also reflects God’s grace.
   
   
4. Be an Encourager: Like Barnabas, who was called the "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), seek to inspire and strengthen those around you.
   
   
5. Practice Humility: Philippians 2:3 reminds us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
   
   

• At Work: Instead of competing with colleagues, collaborate and support them. Offer praise for their efforts and acknowledge their contributions.
  
  
• In Friendships: Avoid gossip and be a safe space for your friends. Listen without judgment and offer constructive advice when asked.
  
  
• In the Church: Volunteer to mentor or disciple younger believers. Build up the body of Christ by serving selflessly.
  

At its core, Christianity is about bringing life to others. It’s about reflecting Christ’s love and grace in everything we do. Let’s remember that we are called to be life-givers, not thieves. When we build up instead of tearing down, we fulfill Christ’s mission of abundant life—not just for ourselves but for everyone we encounter.

Let this reflection be a call to action. Examine your words, thoughts, and deeds. Are they aligned with Christ’s mission to bring life? If not, take steps today to live as He did: offering love, grace, and restoration to a world in desperate need of it.

Find one person you can encourage, uplift, or restore. Speak words of life into their situation and reflect the abundant life that Christ has given you. Share your experience and let it inspire others to do the same.