Bind Up and Build Up
Louise Harris
He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds
Psalm 147: 3
This is one of my favourite bible verses and I have certainly seen the truth of that in my own life.
I have known God’s tender comfort and healing when my heart has been broken, and I’ve experienced this directly and also very often through others.
I also love verse one of Isaiah 61:
He has sent me to build up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners
Isaiah 61: 1
It leads me to think how do we reflect this in the way we treat others around us.
We are surrounded by much need and many people are wounded - physically, emotionally and spiritually. We can reach out in so many ways to help bring healing and actually it’s quite simple, small things make a big difference. We can build each other up, encourage one other and comfort each other.
Here are some ideas:
Listen well: we may not have all the answers but we can allow others to off-load their worries.
Use kind words: only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that they may benefit those who listen (from Ephesians 4: 29)
Be understanding: share knowledge and advice, if invited, and without judgement.
Pray: for or with each other, as appropriate for the person.
Give: a thoughtful card, a small gift, or flowers, maybe a meal. Let them know you are thinking of them.
Spend time: go for a walk. People often find it easier to walk and talk.
Share encouraging bible verses: if the person is open to that.
Keep at it: keep building each other up as you have been doing (Thessalonians 5: 1)
I’m sure there are many other ways too but, whatever we do to bind up & build up, let’s be generous. God is the ultimate giver and loves to see us bless others.
Finally if anyone falls pick them up (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10). If one falls the other will lift up his companion.
The Good Samaritan was the ultimate example of this, and it’s a great reminder to keep looking out for the needs we can meet.
