The word translated edified in our theme scripture is derived from the Greek word oikodomeō which means to build up or embolden. To embolden is to fill with courage or strength of purpose as given in the Webster dictionary. Other synonyms include inspire, encourage, strengthen, stir, boost, charge (like a battery), energize or invigorate. The state of being edified is crucial for spiritual fruitfulness. Christians who are not edified (spirit-less, weak and discouraged) cannot do remarkable things for the Lord. You must understand that it is God's will that you become highly productive in your journey of faith. The Lord highlighted this in John 15:8, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples". God gets glorified in your life as you bear much fruit. This justifies our prime attention on the matters of edification. Our opening scripture shows us two ways through which edification happens at individual and church levels respectively. Firstly, it says when you speak in unknown tongues you become edified. Here it is not referring to the gift of tongues which is given as divers kinds of tongues in 1 Corinthian 12:10. These are generic tongues for every child of God and are imparted to our recreated human spirit by the Holy Spirit. Once you receive the Holy Spirit, you can speak in tongues. When you think of the benefit of being embolden, then it's clearly justifiable to say that it is God's plan that every child of God should speak in tongues. Just like fruit bearing is not a gift, these edifying tongues are not a specialized gift.

Secondly, we are told that through prophecy, the church is edified. Just like the personal level, God doesn't want His Church weak and passionless. Prophecy is God's inspired word to His people. His written word is called a more sure word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19). Paul said to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20:32, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified". The word build is translated from the Greek word oikodomeō. The word of God is able to build you up, therefore give attention to the word. Besides the written word, there is the operation of the gift of prophecy where the Spirit of God gives His inspired word specific for the season, revealing God's will and purpose. When this happens, the bible says, there is edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Ezra 6:14 shows how prophecy helped them complete the rebuilding of the temple amidst discouraging forces. It says, "So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo". Do not take speaking in tongues or prophecy lightly in your life as a child of God. Through these ways, the Holy Spirit ministers to us edification and we become energized, passionate, stirred and encouraged, sponsoring fruitfulness in our walk with God.