Edify

<<instruct, build up>>

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

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).

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”

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.