What Attitudes and Behaviors Build Up God’s Church?
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19 (NKJV)
Conflict. Sometimes I ignore it or even run from it. On other occasions, I aggravate the situation by using inappropriate methods to resolve it.
Paul urged his readers to battle conflict by pursuing peace and edification. According to Thayer’s lexicon, peace often refers to “harmony between individuals.”[i] But harmony isn’t enough. Paul says the harmony must lead to edification.
The Greek word translated “edify” (or “build up”) in Romans 14:19 was a construction term. Jesus used it when he told the parable of the wise man who “built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24, emphasis added). If I’m truly interested in what leads to peace, I’ll pursue attitudes and behaviors that build up God’s church. I’ll concentrate on whatever will “promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness.”[ii] This mindset may involve constructing new relationships or repairing old ones. And sometimes it means tearing down and discarding before the rebuilding can begin.
How do I know I’m encouraging this kind of spiritual environment? I consider the amount of righteousness, peace, and joy my actions and words may generate (Romans 14:17). What will most likely produce growth in my fellow Christians? What will best display God’s character to those outside the church?
I tend to focus first on what’s best for me. But Paul counseled the Corinthians to remember “all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (1 Corinthians 10:23 NKJV). From God’s perspective, edifying others is seldom about what’s best for me. God focuses on what will glorify him and what’s best for others—especially skeptics and weaker, younger Christians.
I’m learning to pray about volatile situations at least 24 to 48 hours before I open my mouth, which gives the Holy Spirit time to speak to me. Often he says, “Wait.” Sometimes he says, “Let it go.” Occasionally, he provides the opportunity to speak. Always, though, he works in my heart and adjusts my attitude.
What conflict are you facing? Ask God to show you how to handle it in ways that edify others.
DIG DEEPER
Read Romans 14. How can we apply Paul’s counsel about judging what people eat and what they celebrate to conflicts we face?
Paul addresses the “right to do anything” in 1 Corinthians 10:23–33. What considerations should temper this attitude?
According to Ephesians 4:11–16, what are the goals of building up the body of Christ? How are you using your gifts to accomplish these goals?
Denise K. Loock
[i] “G1515 – eirēnē – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 14 Aug, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/niv/mgnt/0-1/
[ii] “G3618 – oikodomeō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 14 Aug, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3618/kjv/tr/0-1/.