Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19 NIV)
The word edification comes from the root word edifice, which means building. Mutual edification means building up of one another. It implies constructive works, as in constructing or building, rather than destructive works or pulling down. We have to ask ourselves, “What am I doing to build up the Church?” Everyone should contribute to the edifying of the Church, of which we are members. Christ loves the Church. She is His wife. It is His body – the bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. He cannot do anything to hurt Her. We are members of His body. We are to love each other as Christ loves us. The saying is true, “The pain of the little finger is felt by the whole body.” We should care for our own body, whatever the cost. We should care for every member of the Church. We should be careful in our thoughts, words, and deeds in dealing with each other. It is the responsibility of each one of us in the Church to live in harmony with each other, promote fellowship, and ignite brotherly love among us. We have to forgive those who sin against us, bearing in my mind that it is not the intention of anyone to hurt us. We should not return evil for evil for it will be ourselves who will suffer in the long run. Furthermore, we are encouraged to love one another and serve one another for our own sakes and for the sake of the body of Christ.
