EncouragementНамуна

Build up

You can offer a kind word: ‘Great work!’

You can be positive: ‘You did it! I can’t wait to see what you do next!’

Or, you can edify: ‘Let me take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. I know this task has been challenging, and it’s tested your patience many times. Your hard work has paid off; the result is outstanding, and I believe it’s been a valuable learning experience. I’m grateful for you, appreciate all you’ve done, and I want you to know you’ve proven yourself to be reliable and a person of integrity.’

Edification isn’t just a nice, encouraging word or a cliché from a birthday card. To edify means to build someone up in a meaningful way. It shows that you’ve taken a genuine interest in the other person – that you care about them, value them, and want to help them grow in their faith and life. When we edify, we’re helping others become more like Christ, and in doing so, we reflect Christlikeness ourselves. It requires a deep understanding of God’s Word, accountability, encouragement, and the practice of godliness.

Edifying others is also beneficial for us. If you’re struggling to get along with someone, you may find that by taking the time to learn enough about them to genuinely edify them, you’ll begin to appreciate and value them in ways you hadn’t expected.

Imagine what it would be like if we all tried to invest in each other, to help our brothers and sisters flourish, and to build each other up.

Written by AARON WRIGHT