Scripture Study - Edify

 1/17/24 – Edify

… Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1 Cor. 8:1) … godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Tim. 1:4) Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breast; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves – It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28)

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (Rom. 15:1-2) And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, … (D&C 43:8) … he that propesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. … Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Cor. 14:3, 12, 26) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Rom. 14:19) Wherefore comfort (exhort, console, encourage) yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thes. 5:11) Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. (D&C 50:22-23)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Prov. 19:20) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (self-perfection) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we hence forth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph. 4:11-16) He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. (D&C 52:16)

Insights: As I began this study, it seemed like this would be just a repeat of the “Enlighten” study I did last week, but as I got further in (I’m grateful I didn’t abandon this study) I realized how rich the subject of edification was. Having knowledge is one thing, but it often leads to vanity and turning away from the hand of God. However, when we take that knowledge and use it to bless others, it is the embodiment of edifying. Truth will grow and expand within out hearts, filling our minds with light and joy. If the knowledge you are given doesn’t do this, then I would look at where it came from and if it is something worth keeping. I tell my kids (although none of them are exactly kids anymore) and students all the time that you find what you are looking for, so look for the good, the bright, the lovely, the joyful, and the godly.

I’ve spent too much time wanting to find a “safe” place for myself and family, away from the craziness of the world, but that would feel like being an unprofitable servant. The Lord has commanded us to help those who are weaker than we are and to share the good news of God and Jesus Christ with them so that they can find the strength, peace, hope, and joy that comes with knowing the truth of God’s Gospel. Knowing that this life is only a short probationary period where we get to see just how well we do before returning to God is empowering, and takes away the fear of what comes next. Satan is trying hard to confuse and deter us, but in the end, God will always win out!

I think my favorite scripture today was the one in Ephesians 4:11-16 where we are told that the word of God is taught to us in many ways, probably presented in a way that we will be most likely to accept it. We each learn differently, and God is the perfect teacher! Receiving truth is not the right of only one type of person, but God wants all to have a chance to receive it and incorporate it into their lives so He has already prepared and planned a way for each to have the opportunities we need to accept it. What a loving and gracious Heavenly Father!