What does it really mean ...

[Ariella]

to edify someone or be edified?

 

[Gregged]

The word for edify - as you know - can also be translated (and it fits too) as "build up" so in the sense of our relationship with the Lord, it's someone who will encourage you, show you yourself as God sees you, pray for you etc.

If you have someone who you can share more closely with, they will keep those things confidential and help you through those times and through those things in your life - again, through maybe showing you what the Word says, from experience, praying for you etc.

Some "edification" from a trusted and loving friend can hurt sometimes but it's because they want to see you built up further in the Lord. Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend..."

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:6) he said

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while.

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

So, what Paul had previously written to them was edifying to them - though it hurt them for a while, it ultimately brought about a harvest of good in them, and caused no harm.

 

[Amylisa]

I would agree, that is a very good answer to the question!

 

[JPPT1974]

Good way of putting it
Thanks for sharing!