1 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. 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.
When believers come together, every psalm and teaching and tongue and revelation and interpretation is to be carried out so as to build up and bless everyone present who listens. Worship is to be participatory, with each person having opportunity to contribute to the spiritual life of the meeting through praise to God and testimony and accounts of personal struggles and victories and other spiritually helpful words, and such participation brings blessing. When no minister is present, the one leading is to speak briefly from the Spirit and from love for Jesus rather than preaching a sermon, and no one is to speak merely to fill time. Applied to Sabbath worship, this means the discourse is to be kept short so that all can bear testimony.
Cold, lifeless prayers and long, unspiritual testimonies give no light but cast shadow and chill and darkness, edify no one, and deaden and kill the meeting. The same harm is done by neglecting private prayer and then bringing several days of troubles at once into the prayer meeting to do several days of praying at once. An edifying meeting is spiritual and social and not too long. Reserve and pride and vanity and fear of others and small differences and prejudices are to be left at home, and simplicity and meekness and mutual confidence and love are to prevail as in a united family, so that all are refreshed and strengthened by bringing their lights together.
To edify means to pray and speak and read in a clear and distinct and forceful and full and attractive and audible way with complete enunciation that expresses adoration in simplicity and truth and holiness. It is not to be done in a low and indistinct and hesitating and muffled and indifferent and spiritless and thick or crowded way with the voice falling after each word, which destroys half the interest of a meeting. The gift of speech and the melody of the human voice are precious in a world of sin and ignorance when devoted to the praises of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us, and must not be abused or perverted. Every person is to do his best and grow daily in grace and effectiveness by accepting responsibility and discipline, learning from capable and patient and efficient teachers, making the most of natural abilities with an eye single to the glory of God, and training the voice through right use of the vocal organs with full breathing and expanded chest and lungs and strengthened muscles. That training work belongs to teachers in all lines of education, that students may come forth properly disciplined to bless mankind, and to all engaged in missionary work, that they may qualify themselves.
Right, edifying speech adds interest to the service of God and blesses hearers and glorifies God. It increases usefulness and influence and mental and intellectual efficiency, and removes embarrassment over defects of speech. It benefits physical health, preserves strength, and prolongs life for service, thereby honoring God rather than dishonoring Him by neglect, and it brings reward in this life and in eternal life. Earthly thanksgiving and praise and rejoicing thus join with heaven, where the voices of the children of God unite with the voices of angels in giving honor and glory and praise to God and to the Lamb for the great salvation provided.