What does the Bible say about edification? Why is it so important for Christians?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The dictionary definition for edification is "improvement, instruction, or enlightenment, especially when morally or spiritually uplifting." Edification, then, is similar to spiritual growth. It is that which moves us forward in knowledge of and obedience to God. The Bible uses "edification" to mean building up or strengthening someone, particularly within a Christian context. It emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement and growth within the church through words, actions, and spiritual gifts. Many of the Proverbs emphasize the importance of words in one’s attitude and growth (Proverbs 10:11, 15:23, 16:24, 27:17). Some of the Psalms, likewise, speak of the edifying support that the body of believers can offer each other (Psalm 34:3, 133:1, 145:4). Edification is also discussed in the New Testament. Barnabas, an early church disciple was called “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). In several of the apostle Paul’s epistles, he exhorts believers to edify one another by building one another up (Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). God blessed believers with the body of Christ to edify each other, sustaining one another through difficult times.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proverbs emphasizes the power of words to build up or tear down. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body,” showing that encouraging speech promotes spiritual and emotional well-being.
• The Old Testament highlights the importance of mutual instruction and wise counsel. For example, in Psalm 1, delighting in and meditating on God’s law leads to flourishing like a well-watered tree, symbolizing growth and strength from God’s word shared among the community.
• In Deuteronomy 6:4–9, God commands His people to teach His words diligently to one another and to their children. Doing so builds a community rooted in God’s truth and obedience, which strengthens and preserves them.
• Psalm 133 celebrates the blessing of unity among God’s people; it implies that building up one another fosters peace and strengthens the entire community.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Second Peter 1:5-8 says, "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." In essence, Peter is talking about edification. ‏
• Tearing one another down is not a part of the Christian’s vocabulary. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are told, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
• Paul stresses the use of gifts for encouragement in 1 Corinthians 14:26: “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
• Our words should be gracious. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ‏
• We are called to edify one another, which leads to peace: “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).
• Acts 4:36 describes one of the earliest disciples as “...Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Building up other believers isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a vital and powerful expression of the love and unity Jesus commands us to live out. Like Barnabas, known as “the son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), we are called to intentionally lift others up with our words, give hope, and strengthen faith. This can look like offering sincere compliments that highlight the spiritual gifts or growth you see in others, encouraging a friend who is struggling in their walk with God, or celebrating someone’s quiet faithfulness in service. Practical ways to edify include actively listening when someone shares struggles and responding with prayer, Scripture, or godly advice that points them back to God’s promises. Reminding a discouraged believer of God’s faithfulness through verses like Lamentations 3:22-23 can breathe life into a weary soul. Using your spiritual gifts, whether teaching, hospitality, or encouragement, to serve others—such as leading a small Bible study, caring for new believers, or writing thoughtful notes—also profoundly edifies others.

Edification goes beyond words; it’s about how we live and interact daily. Speaking with grace and kindness, especially when offering correction, helps restore and grow faith, as gentle accountability (Galatians 6:1) builds trust rather than tearing down. Choosing encouraging words over criticism, helping with practical needs like babysitting or meals during difficult seasons, or simply inviting someone for coffee to foster deeper connection are all practical acts that promote unity and growth. By intentionally encouraging, instructing, praying for, and serving one another, we participate in God’s work of renewing hearts and strengthening His body. Edification embodies Christ’s love in tangible ways that uplift, empower, and transform the community for His glory.

UNDERSTAND

• Edification is building up believers through encouragement, correction, and spiritual growth to foster unity in Christ’s body.
• Believers are called to love one another, and edification is part of that.
• Practically, edification can happen by encouraging others, praying with them, gently correcting, and serving, all of which reflect Christ’s love.

REFLECT

• How do you actively look for opportunities to encourage or build up fellow believers in your daily life?
• How has God used others’ words or actions to spiritually strengthen or challenge you?
• How can you balance speaking truth with kindness when offering correction to someone?

ENGAGE

• How does practicing edification shape the unity and health of the body of Christ?
• What are some practical ways we can use our spiritual gifts to build up others both inside and outside the church?
• How can we create a culture of grace and accountability that encourages growth without ungodly judgment?