Edify
<<instruct, build up>>
Edifying is helping others grow in the Lord
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).
We each are part of the body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:27
(2 Cor 12:19). 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).
While we are to be interdependent with healthy interpersonal relationships that mutually benefit each party to becomes 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.
See also: correction, criticism, dependence, encouragement, instruction, maturity, mentor, spiritual disciplines, support, teach, tongues.