Rise Up & Lift Others

A Different Kind of Rich

I have been thinking a lot lately of my teen years being in the 1970’s. I was born in a small rural town in Northwest MO. Although I grew up in a small northern suburb of KC, MO. Our neighborhood was full of all kinds of people—different backgrounds, personalities, and struggles. But somehow, none of that mattered.

It was the same with the group of friends I had at school. It was a large school. This group I was part of never made you feel like you had to fit into a mold. I certainly didn’t come from money. The group I hung around wasn’t about popularity or possessions. We didn’t have a lot materially. Honestly, I couldn’t afford to be part of the more fashionable high school crowds.

We were all different, but somehow that didn’t divide us. We accepted each other. We didn’t judge or exclude. We listened. We laughed. We lifted each other up.

What we had was something richer: acceptance and kindness. It was a time echoing with the spirit of peace and love. After all it was the 70’s. We seemed more open and ready to embrace differences. You were welcome just as you were. We weren’t focused on who wore the best clothes or had the most money. We looked out for one another. We made space for each other’s differences. That sense of community—the “you belong here” feeling—is something I often think about now.

Lately, I’ve found myself thinking about that more. Maybe it’s because the world feels so different now. Our culture has grown loud with division. Judging, labeling, pushing apart instead of pulling together. It’s hard to scroll through a news feed or have a conversation without feeling the weight of all the tension.I think about it especially as I look around at a culture that feels more divided now than ever.

We were far from perfect back then. But there was grace. And grace made all the difference.

We had the Grace that…

• Forgives someone who hurt you.
• Welcomes someone who’s been pushed aside.
• Is patient with someone still learning.
• Let go of judgment and chose kindness.

Our group basically gave someone what they needed.

Life is hard, it’s full of cuts and bruises. We all carry the wounds of life and are hurting in some way. None of us make it out alive. So, why is there so much meanness in our world today? We can and should help each other through the hard times.

🕊️ Lift One Another Up — The Healing Power of Helping

Something remarkable happens when we turn our eyes from our own struggles and reach out to help someone else. It’s as if the weight we carry becomes lighter. Our perspective shifts. Our hearts soften. Our own healing begins.

This is not just a feel-good idea—it’s God’s design.

In l Thessalonians 5:11 Paul encourages them to:

• Build each other up (“edify one another”)—because life was hard, and they needed each other. (It’s still hard and we still need each other.)
• Comfort one another—especially with the hope of Jesus’ return (see verses just before this one, l Thessalonians 4:13–5:10).
• Stay strong in faith—despite trials, doubts, and opposition.

When we lift others, we are doing more than being kind. We are stepping into one of God’s greatest callings for His people: to build each other up. Encouragement isn’t just a gesture. It’s a ministry. It’s fuel for the weary soul.

✨ Helping Heals Our Own Hearts

So often, in the midst of our own pain, we feel powerless. But God didn’t create us to stay stuck in despair. He gently urges us toward community. In helping others carry their burdens, something beautiful happens—we find our own strength again.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

We start to understand that we’re not alone. Even more, that God can use us even in our brokenness. Sometimes especially in it. We all need help in life so be careful to not exclude anyone. Help and walk alongside of them.

🌱 People Can Change — Especially with Christ

It’s easy to look at someone’s past and assume it defines them. But none of us are beyond redemption. We all have a past.The woman caught in adultery was thrown at Jesus’ feet. People wanted her condemned, to be stoned. But Jesus saw her heart—and her future.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
— John 8:7 (KJV)

He says to them if you are without sin cast the first stone. None of them could because not one of us can say we are without sin.

Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t hold it against them. People can and do change.

None of us are qualified to judge another. If we’re honest, we’re all in need of grace. And thank God, Jesus offers it freely.

Let’s be people who see what someone can be in Christ, not who they used to be without Him.

🤝 Helping New Christians

When someone is new to the faith, it can feel overwhelming. The enemy works hard to sow doubt, shame, and fear. That’s why discipleship and encouragement are vital.

“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”
— Romans 14:1 (KJV)

He tells us to come alongside and accept those who are weak and need us to help them.

Don’t wait to be perfect to help someone grow. Just walk beside them. Share what you’ve learned. Pray with them. Be a safe place for their questions. Remind them that life is a journey, and they are not alone.

❤️ Let’s Be Lifters

In a world quick to tear down, be someone who lifts others up. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need a heart that’s willing.

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
— Romans 14:19 (KJV)

Romans 14:19 encourages unity and grace among believers.

Don’t hold grudges. Forgiveness heals both hearts. Take care of relationships by keeping them kind and open. True peacemaking involves both grace and truth.

Forgiveness shows true care and empathy. Patience means letting go of anger and not rushing others to do what you want. Life gets messy. If a friend or family member disappoints you, talk it out gently. 

Caring for others brings meaning to life. You don’t need to be perfect—just available. Offer a listening ear, share your time, and practice kindness to someone you know is hurting. Support others with patience, love, and intention. Whether you’re a parent, partner, caregiver, or friend, showing you care makes the world brighter for both of you.

During someones hard moments, your presence matters more than words. Just being there offers emotional support and comfort. When life gets heavy, show empathy by staying close. Sit in silence, hold their hand, or help with daily tasks. Taking care of others during dark times builds unbreakable trust. You don’t need to fix everything. Just show up.

And in doing so, you just might find healing. The comfort and peace you are searching for may also start to rise within you.

Here is a quote I read this morning before writing this by author Mandy Hale. It seems very fitting.

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.”

Taking time to support friends and family strengthens everyone’s well-being.You become strong by lifting others.

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