Lighten Up! Edify and Encourage – by Barbara Dahlgren

The Bible exhorts us to edify and encourage one another (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). The Greek word for edify is “oikodomeo.” Technically it means to enlighten, improve, or build up. “Encourage” in Latin breaks down this way: “en” means “put into” and “cor” means “the heart.” Put into the heart! These words work together for the good of others. Edifying builds someone up and encouragement goes straight to the heart of a person.

This should not be confused with false praise or idle flattery. Not everyone is the greatest, best, or most fantastic person in the whole world. False praise can produce rivalry or competition, be judgmental, foster selfishness, or give a deceptive sense of evaluation. Edification and encouragement, on the other hand, can stimulate cooperation or contribution for the good of all, focuses on effort, makes a person feel accepted and gives comfort or joy.

We live in an ultra-busy, rat race society. Sometimes we feel we don’t have time to focus on anyone but ourselves. Building others up or encouraging them doesn’t enter our minds. Yet, God sets us an example in these areas because He is the great encourager (Psalm 10:17; Romans 15:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). The Bible is the most encouraging book ever written. God comforts, exhorts, edifies, and encourages us, and He wants us to this for others (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 3:13).

Our motive in doing this should always be love. We are told that knowledge puffs up, but love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1). This is a fancy way of saying self-centered, “know-it-all” people rarely enlighten others or improve situations. However, when our motive is love for others, it is reflected in what we do and say. It is edifying and encouraging. When we build others up and let them know they are valuable, we become part of the solution, not part of the problem. We become a stepping stone to a good result, not a stumbling block.   Here are some ways this can be accomplished:

Cooperate

When we cooperate, we don’t foster feelings of competition. Learning to work together is a key to getting anything accomplished. We shouldn’t expect others to do what we are not willing to do ourselves.

Accept

People want to be accepted for who they are. Acceptance does not mean we condone bad behavior. It just means we don’t judge and condemn. We all have areas in our lives that need changing, but being critical does not bring about healthy change.

Pursue Peace

Scripture tells us to “pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19). This can be done by not making a big deal out of something that is not a big deal. If we stay calm, pray, and look at something from another’s point of view, our perspective may change.

Be Considerate

We can start by using words like “please” and “thank you.” Give a sincere compliment. Be on time. Show up for a commitment.  

Use Nice Words

Cursing, gossiping and putting others down are not encouraging or edifying. We need to say only what will help, not hurt. Even when it is necessary to correct someone, it can be done constructively. It doesn’t have to leave a person devastated. It can help them feel ready to move forward.

Consider this… When we tear others down instead of building them up, it actually grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-30). God doesn’t like it. Withholding positive reinforcement from a person can leave them discouraged. When we hurt others, we rob ourselves of blessings. Encouraging and edifying others not only benefits them, but us, too (Romans 1:11-12).

We live in a pressure filled society. This dog-eat-dog world is filled with unrealistic expectations. Satan uses this to tear us down, make us feel unimportant, unappreciated, or like we don’t belong. This leads to despondency and discouragement. Sometimes we may feel like Jesus doesn’t even care, even though deep in our hearts we know differently. Edifiers and encouragers are Christ’s representatives here on earth. We need to let others know they are valued and appreciated. They need to know someone really does care!   

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification…” (Ephesians 4:29).

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Barbara Dahlgren is an author, speaker, and freelance writer whose articles have appeared worldwide. You can follow her at: http://www.barbdahlgren.com 

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