"One may edify another"

 

Jerusalem Gate, Stephanstor, Zwischen, 1900 (Wiki Commons)

There is good information from Paul as he writes a letter to each church, that is inspired by God for Christians - without time nor geographic limitations. One I've been thinking about for some time is in Romans 5, and a conclusion is reached after an example, and before more:

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:18-19 KJV)

Before we get into what these "things wherewith" are, let's clarify what "edify" means. As usual, I go back to the Greek, where Strong's Concordance has been a help to me in comparing what we think a word means, and how it is defined in use. You can get your own look at Strong's Concordance on the internet. I've checked multiple times, and the e-Sword app on my phone offers the same information. Here's the meaning of "edify" as used biblically:

G3629: οἰκοδομή

pronounced: oikodomē ((oy-kod-om-ay'))

Feminine (abstraction) of a compound of G3624 and the base of G1430; architecture, that is, (concretely) a structure; figuratively confirmation: - building, edify (-ication, -ing).

Wait! What G3624 and G1430 mean:

G3624: οἶκος

Pronounced: oikos (oy'-kos)

Of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literally or figuratively); by implication a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively): - home, house (-hold), temple.

G1430: δῶμα

Pronounced: dōma (do'-mah)

From δέμο demō (to build); properly an edifice, that is, (specifically) a roof: - housetop.

Sometimes edifying is just lifting up a friend. A note can do that for years. I just ran across one from my dear friend of close to 30 years, though our lives have changed and we may not see each other for five or so. In 1998 Empee gave me a gift she knew I would love, use, and retain:  Forgotten English, Jeffrey Kacirk, "A Merry Guide to Antiquated Words." 

Words are important. They all have meaning. When we use them, we select them based on what we want the person hearing (or reading) to know. In our current era, some people are changing the meaning of words. But Empee's words in the note have deep meaning to me:

"I think of you as a precious thread in my life, everlasting, at that."

We are everlasting friends.  Both of us. While we spent a dozen or so years in the same company, I reached retirement and she found greater opportunities for her skills. We not only live in different cities, but in non-adjacent counties in the same state. That will change one day, for we shall be in the same country:

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16 KJV)

As co-workers - for a while the same title on the same project - we had enough in common to enjoy spending time together. Once we exchanged information on our relationships with Christ, we knew the bond would be unbroken. I so often pray for people I've found to be close to accepting God's plan of salvation simply because I would love to see them (literally) forever.

There are also people I've met that it was obvious there was a need for Christ in their lives. It's not judgmental to see a person living with a soul-rending sadness, or with deep-rooted bitterness, or even with raging hatred, and know the eternal answer for them is accepting the love of God to restore them to what they could be. I'd love to spend eternity with them, too.

It truly is simple, as explained in Romans. You can use the "Roman Road" any time one asks:

Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30b KJV)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)

Before that verse, Paul does a good job explaining why all have sinned by drawing scenes from life. No one escapes from sinfulness except innocent children. Too soon we find ourselves envious, desiring and/or taking what seems right in our own mind. So often, it isn't.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)

The same choice faces every one ever born on this planet, choose between death and eternal life.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 KJV)

Jesus said so in John 3:16-18, while He was discussing questions from Nicodemus.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)

In fact, Romans 10:8-17 is outstanding!! But this is a good summation of the Road:

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13 KJV)

Once done, we have help along that strait and narrow way:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)