Paul tells us that spiritual gifts are given to the church ‘for the common good’ (1 Cor 12:7) and expands on that in 1 Cor 14:3 by saying that they should build up, encourage and comfort the church. Building up (strengthening, edification) is a common theme in Scripture (see 1 Cor 14:5, 12, 26; Eph 4:11-13, 29; Rom 15:21).
All of us should look for ways we can build people up, rather than tearing them down (see 2 Cor 10:8), with Eph 4:29 reminding us that one of the key ways we can do this is through what we say. Prov 16:24 reminds us ‘gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones’; Prov 12:18 says ‘the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.’ Words are incredibly important in building people up, and we need to be extremely careful about how we use speech, as James makes clear (James 3:9-12) – something I long for people who use social media to consider more!
The call to encourage others is described as a spiritual gift in Rom 12:8; the word ‘encourage’ is derived from the same Greek word as the name ‘Paraclete’ for the Holy Spirit (translated ‘Comforter’ or ‘Advocate’ in many translations.) Encouragement literally gives courage to people; it strengthens and helps in ways we cannot always see. As prophets, Judas and Silas endeavoured to strengthen and encourage local congregations (Acts 15:32) and Paul concludes his second letter to the Corinthians with the command, ‘strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.’ (2 Cor 13:11) It is much easier to knock people down than to encourage them, but God wants us all to be like Barnabas, whose name means ‘son of encouragement.’
Comfort and consolation are also key parts in strengthening people. We live in a society which often seems to trample over others with little thought, but Christians are urged to comfort others with the comfort they themselves have received from God (2 Cor 1:3-5). It can be incredibly helpful to know that others have gone through the same trials we experience and have come out the other side, stronger and enriched by God! Let’s not underestimate the power of building up, encouraging and comforting each other through the power of the Holy Spirit.