“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing“
and edify one another,
The word “edify” is literally to build a house, to erect a construction of some kind. Metaphorically, it means to edify the character of believers by teaching or example. This word implies progress in developing an edification multiplex of strength in other Christians.
The words “one another” means one another of the same kind. Christians can build up other Christians because they have a common faith. Christians cannot build non-Christians.
just as you also are doing
The Thessalonians were already comforting and edifying one another, based on Paul’s teaching the year before. Now they are to continue to do this, based on 1 Thessalonians. Truth needs reinforcement.
Principle:
A responsibility of every Christian is to build up other Christians in the faith.
Application:
God expects believers to care for other Christians. Cain’s statement, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is not Christian.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19).
Our responsibility to edify other Christians is not something we should take lightly. This passage indicates that we should “pursue” this. The idea is to hotly pursue the edification of others.
Christians must constantly reinforce the Word of God in each other. We do this through our pastor’s teaching and Bible studies, and personal conversation. Christians who go to church strictly for themselves will miss God’s will. The church is a place where we both receive and give something.
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
We do not want to be a weight; we want to be a wing. It is easy to tear others down. It is more difficult to build them up in their faith. Criticism and slander tear others down.
