Edify: Building Up the Body of Christ Through Encouragement and Growth

Edification is the strengthening and building up of other believers in the faith, especially in moral and religious knowledge, through encouragement, helpful teaching, and God-given gifts. It is a vital component of Christian community life, where believers actively support one another's spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. This process of building up involves not only sharing knowledge but also providing emotional support, practical assistance, and prayerful guidance to fellow Christians as they navigate their faith journey.

Understanding Edification

It is strengthening and building up other believers in the faith especially in moral and religious knowledge by encouragement, helpful teaching and God-given gifts (Rom 14:19; Eph 4:10-16; 1 Thes 5:11). This improvement bringing Christ-likeness can take place through the teaching in church, small home groups, one-on-one mentoring, or as we fellowship with others. When necessary godly correction, if done with a right motive and received in a right spirit, will also have this positive effect of "equipping the saints for every good work" (2 Cor 13:10; 2 Tim 3:16-17).

Each of us should do what is good for our neighbour and so, in love, build them up in the Lord (Rom 15:2; 1 Cor 8:1). Paul stated that those who speak in tongues help themselves grow spiritually, while those who prophesy speak messages from God and help the whole body of believers grow, so "try to excel in those gifts that build up the church" (1 Cor 14:3-4,12,26). "All we do is for your strengthening" (2 Cor 12:19).

This is helping others grow in the Lord

We each are part of the body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:27

The Power of Words

Do I promote growth in the Christians I mix with? The words we speak have immense ability for good or bad – to build up or tear down so closely guard your tongue (Prov 18:21; Eph 4:25,29; Jas 3:2-10). Our speech reflects the condition of our hearts and can either bring life or cause death to those who hear it (Mt 12:34-37). When we speak words of affirmation, encouragement, and truth in love, we become instruments of God's grace in the lives of others. Conversely, careless, critical, or harsh words can wound deeply and hinder spiritual growth (Prov 12:18, 15:4).

The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph 4:29). This means we must be intentional about our speech, choosing words that edify, encourage, and point others toward Christ. Even in difficult conversations or when correction is necessary, our words should be seasoned with grace and spoken with humility and love (Col 4:6). The power of our words extends beyond immediate impact – they can shape attitudes, influence decisions, and leave lasting impressions on the hearts and minds of others (Prov 25:11).

Interdependence and Personal Accountability

While we are to be interdependent with healthy interpersonal relationships that mutually benefit each party to become stronger and whole, we should also take personal accountability as the Bible also teaches, "Build yourselves up in your most Holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit" (Jud 1:20). We are responsible for our own walk with God, so must pay particular attention to our spirituality, engaging in private spiritual disciplines besides those in the corporate setting (1 Cor 3:10). The opposite of edifying is criticism that tears down and discourages.

Reflection and Application:

How am I actively building up those around me in their faith?
What gifts has God given me that can be used to encourage others?
Am I guarding my tongue to ensure my words edify rather than tear down?
Am I taking personal responsibility for my own spiritual growth?