The concepts of love and edification hold a central place in Christian theology and practice, as evidenced by numerous passages throughout the Bible. These principles are foundational to the life and growth of the Church, guiding believers in their interactions with one another and in their spiritual development.

Love as the Greatest Commandment

The primacy of love is underscored by Jesus Christ Himself, who identifies it as the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus declares, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This dual commandment encapsulates the essence of the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that love for God and love for others are inseparable and paramount.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the supremacy of love in 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter." He asserts that without love, all spiritual gifts and acts of service are meaningless. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 , Paul concludes, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love." This passage highlights love as the enduring and preeminent virtue that should characterize the life of every believer.

Edification in the Body of Christ

Edification, or the building up of the Church, is closely linked to the practice of love. The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to edify one another, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , Paul explains that Christ gave various gifts to the Church "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This building up is not merely structural but deeply relational, as believers encourage and strengthen one another in faith.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the importance of edification in 1 Corinthians 14, particularly in the context of spiritual gifts. He emphasizes that all things should be done for the purpose of edifying the Church. In 1 Corinthians 14:26 , he instructs, "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church." This directive underscores the communal aspect of edification, where each member contributes to the spiritual well-being of the whole.

The Interconnection of Love and Edification

The relationship between love and edification is symbiotic. Love motivates believers to seek the edification of others, while edification is a tangible expression of love within the community of faith. In Romans 14:19 , Paul exhorts, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Here, the pursuit of peace and edification is presented as a collective endeavor, driven by love and aimed at fostering harmony and growth.

Moreover, in Colossians 3:14 , Paul writes, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Love serves as the unifying force that binds believers together, enabling them to edify one another effectively. This unity is not merely organizational but deeply spiritual, reflecting the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Practical Implications

The priority of love and edification has practical implications for the life of the Church and individual believers. It calls for a commitment to selfless service, mutual encouragement, and the pursuit of spiritual maturity. Believers are encouraged to exercise their spiritual gifts in love, always seeking to build up others rather than seeking personal recognition or gain.

In summary, the priority of love and edification is a guiding principle for Christian living, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. It calls believers to a life of sacrificial love and intentional edification, reflecting the character of Christ and advancing the mission of the Church.