Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Throughout Scripture, the theme of “edification” shows up time and again. Putting others first, being selfless, giving honor where honor is due, and not withholding good to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it are all ways of building others up so they feel encouraged. “To edify” means to build another up, and to build others up is the process of strengthening them. When we speak to the “best” in others, it brings the best out of them. Why is this important? One, because it is the right thing to do. But also, because when people feel their best, they perform at their best, and we all know when we are our “best selves.” You have the power within yourself to draw the best out of others, regardless of your position.
You must see value in someone before you can add value to them.
Adding Value to Another Creates an Invisible Return to You. When you speak to others about the good that you see in them, it communicates that you see value in them. When people sense you value them, they know you believe in them. Demonstrating belief in another is not only good for them and honoring to God; it creates confidence and influence in the atmosphere.
Add Value Before You Ask for Value. A hallmark of biblical communication is to create connection and relationship. To edify one another, you must first see the best in others. I have discovered that when I look for the best in others, I find the best in others. The opposite is true also. If I view someone through the lens of a critical spirit, then my perception of them is colored by my own filter. Here are three ways in which a person can add value before they ask for value. They start off by looking for the best in others and then speak to the best in others.
- AFFIRM them. Each person carries within them a unique giftedness deposited in them by God. To recognize what God put in them and speak to that gift has the effect of drawing that giftedness out. Affirmation of another creates confidence in the receiving, and confidence neutralizes fear. People are more likely to move forward with you in decision-making when they feel strong in your presence.
- ACKNOWLEDGE a past, present, or future decision. Joe Girard was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for selling over 13,000 automobiles. What was his secret to such extraordinary success? Joe was a relationship guru who always found something good to acknowledge in his customers. He would point to something special about the car they were currently driving or compliment a decision they were considering. Acknowledging another’s decision communicates the confidence you have in them.
- ADMIRE an accomplishment. Successes are sacred to the person who attained them. Honoring a pinnacle moment in a person’s life, a threshold crossed, or praising a goal achieved signals that you hold them and what they achieved in the highest regard. When people feel honor from you, they will be drawn to you. Respecting and honoring another creates a magnetic pull between the giver and the receiver, and influence is increased.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- In what ways do you seek to edify people around you on a regular basis?
- Within whom do you see greatness that others may be ignoring?
- Whom can you affirm, acknowledge, or admire today?
Until you connect with people relationally, they won’t follow you financially.
