2 posts tagged “edify”

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Read 1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

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After a discussion in chapter 12 about the various spiritual gifts, and a call for unity in exercising those gifts in the church, Paul says, “…But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (those that edify and build up the body) And now I will show you the most excellent way...” (12:31)

No matter what the gift or talent God has bestowed upon you, it is worth nothing if not exercised in love ─ and this, writes Paul, is what love looks like: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (13:4-7)

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Lord, this is a tall order for anyone, but absolutely necessary in our relationships with other believers. Obviously, those early churches had to struggle with their issues just as we do today. Love certainly requires forgiveness and humility. Help me to keep no record of wrongs.

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And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

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As a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles, with different backgrounds, the Roman believers also had differences of opinion on what was acceptable behavior. Some wanted to celebrate certain holy days and others did not. Some had convictions about buying meat that had been sacrificed to idols, and others did not. Paul says, “… let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. (14:13)

The principle is that we are responsible to edify and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters. Instead of insisting on our own point of view, we should “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7)

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Lord, I pray that nothing I do will be a stumbling block to another Christian. I pray for a spirit of love and unity, even when I may have strong opinions about a matter. I pray that what comes out of my mouth will glorify You, and build up the fellowship of believers.

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May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 NIV