1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
I can honestly say that I have lived my life edified by others, it’s how the work of the Lord works. I can’t imagine life without this concept, as we would all be in darkness. The edifying of each other brings the light of Christ into our lives. This is why we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are called to meet together often, because through this process we are able to bond together in love and understanding one to another and bring peace and comfort for all through the tender mercies that the Lord has bestowed upon each of us. Through these blessings we are able to share, lift, and encourage others along their journey of life.
Moroni 6: 4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. 5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. 6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. 7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them;
As we go through life we all have different experiences, trials, and tribulations. We sin differently and for different reasons. Though we are all different, we are all alike. None of us are alone. As we seek to do the Lord’s work, he will place us in situations where we can use our wisdom that we have gained through our personal experiences of life to help lift and encourage others. This works both directions, as we seek for comfort and peace in our own struggles we often find help from others who have been through similar trials or walked similar paths.
“Bearing up under our own burdens can help us develop a reservoir of empathy for the problems others face. The Apostle Paul taught that we should “bear … one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Accordingly, our baptismal covenants require that we should be “willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea, and [be] willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” -L. Whitney Clayton
As a young married women, I found myself out of place at church. It was a mix between trying to make the transition from young women to relief society and then attending church alone because my husband wasn’t a member. My battle was internal, and everyone was nice to me, but I still felt alone and out of place. We moved to a new house and a new ward, and I desperately wanted to belong in church. It was my first Sunday, and it happened to be fast Sunday. As I sat there all alone again, a man got up and bore his testimony about his conversion, then he said, “I decided to jump in fully, so I committed to bearing my testimony every fast Sunday, and I’ve been doing it for 10 years.” It was as if he was speaking directly to me. I knew this was my answer to my prayers. I committed that day to follow his example, to bear my testimony every fast Sunday. I have followed through with that commitment for 18 years. I can’t tell you how much that simple commitment has changed my faith journey. The Lord sent someone, who felt out of place in the church setting, to testify of the importance of prophesying (sharing) through testimony, which would would strengthen my own testimony while edifying others. It was beautiful. Through this I too have gained an unshakable testimony of the importance of bearing our testimonies often. It is a divine gift to ourselves an others that edifies in the greatest form.
I Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Now as a grown women, I find that I am able to help others because of the years of knowledge gained here and there in my own life. Whether it’s helping a mom with young children, or a youth struggling with their divine nature, my experiences can bless them. Likewise, I am edified constantly by others who have also walked life, learning line upon line. It’s amazing the comfort that we can receive and give as we reach out in love to others and share our own personal experiences and revelations.
D&C 43:8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given. 9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me—
16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.
This is really what missionary work is all about! It’s sharing the joy within us. As we share with others, they will be edified and lifted. This doesn’t have to be done in a formal setting or in large groups. Often it’s the opposite, it’s during a walk around the neighborhood with a good friend sharing moments from each other’s lives where the Lord showed that he is aware of each of us! Sharing these stories help encourage and strengthen each other and give us the courage to carry on with our own personal struggles.
It’s important that we also find the time within our homes to lift and encourage and teach our children and even our spouses in love. That’s really the key. Criticism hurts, but loving advice and instruction lifts. It’s not only in the approach of the giver but the receiver as well. It is equally important that we allow others to “edify” us, as it is that we share in an attempt to “edify”, or strengthen and comfort others. As we work together, striving to become one in Christ, we will find the peace and comfort that is lacking in the bustling world of chaos.
“More often, it means that we repent, we forgive, and as we minister to others, we offer the hope and peace that repentance brings—because we have experienced it ourselves.” -Douglas D. Holmes
The big picture is so much bigger than we understand. Imagine how these men felt, a small group trying to follow the Lord. “A few men assembled in a log cabin; they saw visions of heaven, and gazed upon the eternal world; they looked through the rent vista of futurity, and beheld the glories of eternity; they were laying the foundation for the salvation of this world.” [Documentary History of the Church, 6:295] Look at the effects of their efforts, could they have possibly understood? We too are called to be an active part of this “big plan”, so don’t worry if it’s unclear to you right now, just carry on in full faith, and lift and encourage others.
-Sherri Jorgensen
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