So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up.

We are coworkers belonging to God. You are God’s field, God’s building.

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.

In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ,

It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.

Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts and walking away, his disciples came to show him the temple buildings.

Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look at these tremendous stones and buildings!”

Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”

For we know that if our earthly house, the tent we live in, is dismantled, we have a building from God, a house not built by human hands, that is eternal in the heavens.

For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so.

Have you been thinking all this time that we have been defending ourselves to you? We are speaking in Christ before God, and everything we do, dear friends, is to build you up.

You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.

I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.

What should you do then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all these things be done for the strengthening of the church.

Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority – the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love.