Building Together, Today and Beyond: What Does 1 Corinthians 14:26 Mean for Us Now? | Building up The Body: Everyone has Something to Give

In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the church is not about competition but about contribution: “Let all things be done for edification.” 

I thank God for divine inspiration at the start of this ministry, and I still live by the mantra - More Connections No Competition.

By the time Paul closes the chapter, he reinforces this principle with another command: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40, NKJV).

The church in Corinth struggled with disorder and division. 

Some wanted to showcase their gifts, and gatherings became confusing. We see it today: people go to churches and expect to be hailed, recognised, put on a pedestal, instead of being humble, doing the work of the Lord, and allowing God to elevate them.

Paul’s solution wasn’t to silence the people—it was to remind them of the goal: building up the body of Christ. So again, we welcome everyone here, but I must emphasise that if you’ve come to promote yourself or create confusion, you are not welcome here. The focus here has to be on Jesus, all the time, every time.

The issue wasn’t the diversity of gifts—Paul celebrated that as God’s design (1 Corinthians 12:4). The problem was that their gifts were being used without love or order. 

Too many spoke in tongues at once without interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27–28). Prophets interrupted one another instead of listening (1 Corinthians 14:29–31). Pride crept in, with some treating their gifts as more important than others (1 Corinthians 12:21). 

What God meant for unity and encouragement was turning into confusion.

That’s why Paul placed 1 Corinthians 13, the “love chapter,” right between his teachings on spiritual gifts. Without love, even the most dramatic gifts are worthless (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). Love ensures that gifts serve others rather than the individual. Love and order don’t restrict diversity—they make it fruitful.

That same principle applies today. Why build up?

It strengthens unity. Tearing down breeds suspicion and separation, but building up creates trust and peace. 

As Paul encouraged the Thessalonians: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NKJV).

It multiplies growth. Encouragement inspires others to step into their callings, while criticism shuts them down.

It glorifies Christ. When we edify each other, the focus shifts from us to Him.

So, where do we build up?

In the church. Ministries thrive when gifts are shared humbly and space is given for others to shine.

In families. Words of encouragement strengthen marriages and nurture children. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25, NKJV).

In workplaces. Choosing to build up instead of gossiping creates healthier environments.

In friendships. Encouragement cements bonds and brings joy in seasons of struggle.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that this building up requires intentionality: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24, NKJV). 

Edification is not an optional add-on to Christian life—it’s the lifestyle of believers.

The New Bible Commentary observes that Paul’s vision for the church was one of mutual encouragement. Every believer is both a recipient and a giver of edification. 

From Corinth’s living rooms to our churches, workplaces, and even digital platforms, the call remains the same: build up the body, because everyone has something to give.

Reference:Carson, D. A., France, R. T., Motyer, J. A., & Wenham, G. J. (1994). New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. InterVarsity Press.