Building Each Other Up
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Definition and Importance
Building each other up refers to the practice of encouraging, edifying, and strengthening fellow believers in their faith and daily walk with Christ. This concept is rooted in the New Testament teachings and is essential for the growth and unity of the Christian community. It involves using words, actions, and spiritual gifts to support and uplift one another, fostering a spirit of love and cooperation within the body of Christ.

Biblical Foundation
The New Testament provides numerous exhortations to build each other up. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This verse highlights the ongoing responsibility of believers to support one another in their spiritual journey.

Ephesians 4:29 further emphasizes the power of words in this process: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." Here, Paul instructs believers to use their speech constructively, ensuring that their words contribute positively to the spiritual growth of others.

Spiritual Gifts and Edification
The Apostle Paul also discusses the role of spiritual gifts in building up the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:12, he states, "It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church." Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ, and believers are encouraged to use these gifts to serve one another effectively.

Unity and Love
Building each other up is closely linked to the themes of unity and love within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:15-16 speaks to this connection: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part." This passage underscores the importance of love as the foundation for mutual edification and the growth of the church as a unified body.

Practical Application
Practically, building each other up can take many forms, including offering words of encouragement, praying for one another, sharing burdens, and providing practical assistance. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Regular fellowship and communal worship are vital for maintaining a supportive environment where believers can grow together in faith.

Challenges and Considerations
While the call to build each other up is clear, believers may face challenges such as misunderstandings, conflicts, and differences in spiritual maturity. Romans 14:19 advises, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." This verse encourages believers to prioritize peace and understanding, seeking ways to resolve conflicts and promote harmony within the church.

In summary, building each other up is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture and essential for the health and growth of the church. Through encouragement, the use of spiritual gifts, and a commitment to unity and love, believers can fulfill this biblical mandate and strengthen the body of Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 14:26
How is it then, brothers? when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to edifying.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 4:12
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
Topicalbible.org

Library

According to the Working of Each Several Part
... In no other way but by the working in due measure of ... As each member takes its part,
by the work it does in ... food, the increase is made by its building up itself ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvi according to the working.htm

Building a Great Temple
... nor any iron tool was heard while the temple was building. ... the other wall, and their
wings touched each other in the ... the leaders of Israel to bring up the ark ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm

Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ...
... On this account He showed you the building of the tower; and He will show you other
things, if you continue at peace with each other with all your heart ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision third concerning the building.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... Away up in the mountains of Lebanon they worked with ... spread forth so that they touched
each other, and also ... Solomon was seven years building the house of the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Great Mysteries in the Building of the Militant and Triumphant ...
... do in former times they may make up for in ... their slanders, and vindictive in their
anger against each other. ... and rejected from having a part in its building. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/similitude ninth the great mysteries.htm

The Waves of Time
... sometimes birth and sometimes death, sometimes joy and sometimes sorrow, sometimes
building up and sometimes casting down, follow each other with monotonous ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the waves of time.htm

In the Work of Ministering
... followed by that which it is meant to accomplish"the building up of the ... It is to
minister to each other. ... to reveal to you His will, and give yourself up to it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xv in the work of.htm

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... on the foundation which is Jesus Christ"'and other foundation can ... all should slowly,
carefully, unceasingly be at our building work; each day's attainment ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... with God, and to be devoted to each other's happiness. ... A DISCOURSE OF THE BUILDING,
&c., OF THE HOUSE OF ... here displayed, And here his treasure safely up is laid ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... him, and he said, "This stone wall which they are building"if a fox should go up
on it ... is great and spread out, and we on the wall are far from each other. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

Resources
What is a Union church? | GotQuestions.org

What is a chapel? | GotQuestions.org

Why is edification important in the life of a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

Building: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Building

Building a House

Building Each Other Up

Building New Church

Building up of Others

Building: Figurative

Related Terms

Building (249 Occurrences)

Building-material (1 Occurrence)

Up-building (1 Occurrence)

Building-stone (1 Occurrence)

Yard (8 Occurrences)

Planting (57 Occurrences)

Construction (14 Occurrences)

Structure (19 Occurrences)

Edification (10 Occurrences)

Gallery (2 Occurrences)

Beam (17 Occurrences)

Weights (14 Occurrences)

Area (66 Occurrences)

Vine-gardens (41 Occurrences)

Buildings (28 Occurrences)

Rebuild (36 Occurrences)

Quarry (5 Occurrences)

Foundations (49 Occurrences)

Framed (8 Occurrences)

Rebuilding (11 Occurrences)

Earthworks (10 Occurrences)

Earthwork (7 Occurrences)

Designed (14 Occurrences)

Phenicia (1 Occurrence)

Builder (33 Occurrences)

Corner-stone (10 Occurrences)

Cells (24 Occurrences)

Cornerstone (13 Occurrences)

Stone-cutters (4 Occurrences)

Smashing (9 Occurrences)

Architecture

Erected (26 Occurrences)

Damaged (44 Occurrences)

Synagogue (52 Occurrences)

Stork (6 Occurrences)

Confusion (71 Occurrences)

Courtyard (59 Occurrences)

Pulling (57 Occurrences)

Builds (18 Occurrences)

Writings (111 Occurrences)

Axe (19 Occurrences)

Palace (194 Occurrences)

Measures (50 Occurrences)

City

Jotham (26 Occurrences)

Build (242 Occurrences)

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)

Portico (37 Occurrences)

Living-place (83 Occurrences)

Fashion (24 Occurrences)

Start (50 Occurrences)

Sorts (65 Occurrences)

Treasury (25 Occurrences)

Bases (80 Occurrences)

Casting (54 Occurrences)

Hebron (71 Occurrences)

Boats (11 Occurrences)

Rear (46 Occurrences)

Locks (29 Occurrences)

Galleries (4 Occurrences)

Geshem (5 Occurrences)

Woodworkers (6 Occurrences)

Inn (7 Occurrences)

Founded (42 Occurrences)

Fortifying (3 Occurrences)

Floor (69 Occurrences)

Fitted (13 Occurrences)

Frame (33 Occurrences)

Timber (32 Occurrences)

Thickness (12 Occurrences)

Tool (13 Occurrences)

Roof (55 Occurrences)

Room (174 Occurrences)

Return (499 Occurrences)

Rightly (45 Occurrences)

Exiles (46 Occurrences)

Engines (4 Occurrences)

Erection (1 Occurrence)

Building Community through Prayer and Giving
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