FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Romans 12:10; I Thessalonians 5:9-11; II Corinthians 5:1, 2; Romans 14:19; 15:2; [Luke 10:29]; Matthew 5:43; I Corinthians 3:9, 16; Ephesians 4:11, 12; Hebrews 10:35, 36; 9:15; James 2:8; Mark 12:30, 31; II Peter 1:3, 4; Ephesians 4:13-32; II Timothy 2:15; 1:7; James 4:7; I Peter 3:8-18; 4:16, 17; Galatians 5:13-15; 22-25; Hebrews 10:24, 25; [Acts 14:22; 27:22; I Timothy 6:2; Titus 1:9]; I Thessalonians 5:9-28

A kind word is so simple to give, yet too often we find it easier to say something negative. This is our old nature. As members of the one Body, we must make the effort to say kind things to one another. One of the ways we work together as a body is through good works, but this involves speaking kind words.

Edification (Building Up) — We are encouraged in the scriptures to edify one another. “To edify” means to build up like a house or building is called an edifice. It takes practice to build one another up because the world teaches us to do the opposite. It is important to build up people outside the body in the hopes that it will open the door for them to hear the Word and believe. But it is also important for us to do so within the body of Christ. People who work together say kind things about each other. We should remind each other of truths such as the holy spirit dwells within us and Christ will return some day. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is up to us to claim those promises. Part of this includes speaking those things that build one another up.

Exhortation (Encouragement) — While very similar to edification, exhortation is different. Exhortation involves encouragement. For example, God’s Word encourages us in Timothy to study to show ourselves approved unto God. We are exhorted to endure things for the name of Christ. The promise is that God will watch over us. God’s Word exhorts us in Acts 14:22 to continue in the faith. It exhorts us in Acts 27:22 to be of good cheer. It exhorts us in I Timothy 6:2 to teach and exhort. It exhorts us in Titus 1:9 to hold fast the faithful word so we can by sound doctrine exhort and convince those who oppose the word of God (the gainsayers).

Kind words are very important. We are to build each other up (edify) and encourage (exhort) one another. When we do so, there will be less friction and more harmony within the Body. We will be better able to work together as one body.