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In Eph. 4:11-12 Paul writes, “And He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, unto the building up of the body of Christ.” The “work of service,” for which each of us is given some gift of God “for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7), is the edification of one another. Edification is something that every Christian is to be actively seeking to do.
But a good question is often asked: “How do I go about building up my brothers and sisters in Christ?” The Bible, of course, provides the answer.
First, we must love one another. Paul tells us, “Knowledge puffs up (makes arrogant), but love edifies” (1 Cor. 8:1). In Eph. 4:16, Paul, in speaking of the growth of the Body of Christ, encourages “the building up of itself in love.” By studying the various characteristics of Christian love, as given in 1 Cor. 13:4-8a, one can see clearly that these are traits that cannot help but build up one another. Love is the “perfect bond of unity” (Col. 3:14). “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Rom. 13:10). It builds up, rather than tears down.
Second, we must encourage one another. “Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11). The Greek word translated “encourage” is a combination of two words which literally mean “to call alongside.” It conveys the idea of taking someone to your side, placing an arm around them, and comforting, cheering, encouraging them in some way. Edification is promoted when we put our arms around another, rather than pushing one another away.
Third, we must be positive Christian examples to one another. Paul likens us to living epistles, “known and read by all men” (2 Cor. 3:2). You are observed daily by others, both within and outside of the Body. Your example will impact the lives of others, either positively or negatively. Whether our brothers and sisters in Christ are edified or not may well depend upon the nature of your example before them. By a poor or careless example we may actually “build up” someone to do that which would be harmful to them. Remember these keys and be an “edifier” for the Lord!
Richard O’Connor
Grace and Peace Ministries
www.gandpministries.org
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