The English word EDIFICATION is defined as "an edifying or being edified; instruction; especially moral or spiritual instruction." This word comes from an Old French word edificacion which referred to the act of building or constructing. This French word came from the Latin term aedificationem which meant "construction, the process of building; a building, an edifice." Later on the term took on a religious meaning of "spiritual improvement."

The word "edification" is found a number of times in the Bible with reference to the spiritual development of individual Christians and local churches.

While some churches resort to entertainment and recreational activities to try to produce edification, the Bible makes it clear that God's Word is the means by which we are to be built up in the most holy faith (Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11-12). We are not edified in fellowship halls or activity centers, but in our worship assemblies (1 Cor. 14:26). Things like excitement, comradery, and social interaction are important, but they are not the same thing as edification. The church is not a cooperation that needs to undergo "team building" exercises. It is a collection of Christians who need to grow in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

Edification is a process of spiritual construction. As such, edification comes when we are at peace (Acts 9:31; Rom. 14:19). Think about it - no good building project can be accomplished when people are busy attacking others or defending themselves. Edification can only come about when we set aside our own interests and focus upon the needs of others (Rom. 15:2; 1 Cor. 10:23-24). Our liberties in Christ cease to be liberties when they tear down our brethren or cause them to stumble. The teaching of false doctrine and arguments over opinions and "what-if's" will stifle edification and must be avoided (1 Tim. 1:3-4).