Build Others Up

October 13th, 2026
by Pastor Brad Rud

Years ago our dear friend Lana offered to do an outdoor family portrait for us. The night before the photo, the skies cleared and the temperature plummeted to well below zero. In order to get the photo she (and we) wanted, we had to race outside, smile, and then race back in to warm up. Then we would do it again and again. Originally we tried to stay longer, but our faces, fingers and toes were so frozen that we had a hard time smiling! But the picture that we see doesn't tell us all of that, does it? The same thing is true of every person that we meet.

We see the outside, but we don't see the life experiences that have shaped the person in front of us. We don't see their challenges, struggles or accomplishments. We don't know if the present moment is filled with joy and expectation or if heartache is just below the surface. This is why it is so important for us to be kind and considerate- to genuinely love people and to build one another up. The person you see goes so much deeper, and it is a gift to get to know them better. Don't judge by mere appearances. Encourage- give compliments- build others up, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 13, 2026