Real Hope: Building Others UpSample

The Art of Edification

You can be nice: ‘Great work!’

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

Or, you can edify: ‘Let me take this moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. I know you’ve struggled with this task, and it’s tested your patience many times. Your hard work has paid off, the outcome is outstanding, and I think it’s been a great learning experience. I am grateful for you, appreciate all you’ve done, and want you to know that you have proven that you’re reliable and a person of integrity.’

Edification is not just a nice encouraging word or a corny birthday card sentiment. To build up, encourage, and edify goes deeper - it demonstrates that you have a genuine interest in the other person, that you care about and value them, and that you want to help and encourage them in their faith and life. As we edify, we are demonstrating Christlikeness and helping others to become more like Christ. We all play a role in this, as it requires a strong understanding of God’s Word, accountability, encouragement, and promoting and practicing godliness.

Also, uplifting others is good for you, too. If you’re struggling to get along with someone, you may find that if you take the time to learn enough about them, you’ll end up appreciating and valuing them more than you thought possible. Imagine if we all made an effort to invest in each other, to see our brothers and sisters flourish, and to build each other up.

Written by AARON WRIGHT