People Building

Last week we learned that modern-day J-walkers are characterised by their ability to look beyond the offenses of an offender and extend the gift of acceptance.  As one continues to follow in the footsteps established by Jesus, they also take on a new interest in people building.

Do you know of anyone who feels like they get too many compliments?  Are there any of your friends who have expressed to you that they feel they are receiving too much appreciation?  Has the conversation in the break-room or the coffee shop centered on people feeling “over-encouraged?”  On the other hand, how many readers feel as though they and everyone else they know would benefit from some form of daily complement, praise, or encouragement? 

While the need for encouragement seems universal, the ability to give such is not an outgrowth of our human nature.  That self-loving nature would rather propagate self-encouragement and glorification.  So, if one is going to build others up it will take an example that is “more than human.”

We have such an example in the person of Jesus!  He was the “master people builder.”  He seems to always have extended himself to the task of uplifting others.  He came to “give life to the full” (John 10:10) and He did all within His ability to make sure He lifted others up to experience that full life!  Jesus, by His living within the fully transforming love of God, was able to provide the pattern for effective people building.

This lesson will look at John chapter four and draw from the text people building pointers offered by Jesus encounter with a Samaritan woman.