E is for Edification: Building Each Other Up in Faith and Community

 We’ve reached the letter E in our A to Z of Encouraging Homeschool Moms series, and what better time to talk about edification?

After more than two decades of homeschooling, I can tell you firsthand—there are days when I need encouragement as much as anyone else. Maybe you’ve felt the same way. That’s why edification, both giving and receiving, is so important on this journey.

Romans 15:1–2 reminds us that we are to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, to edify them. The truth is, even those who seem “strong” in their walk with the Lord have days of weakness, discouragement, and doubt. And on those days, we need to be building each other up.

What is Edification?

The word “edify” means to build up, to strengthen, and to encourage.

I once heard a speaker use the illustration of construction workers securing short boards to reinforce weak spots in longer boards. The short boards “come alongside” and provide strength where it’s most needed.

That’s what edification looks like in the homeschooling community—we come alongside one another, lending strength during weak moments.

Why Homeschool Moms Need Edification

Homeschool moms carry a lot: teaching, managing the home, keeping up with activities, and often juggling work or ministry on top of it all.

Sometimes the struggles are small (like a teething baby or a child struggling through fractions), and other times they’re overwhelming (like a job loss, illness, or learning challenges). In those moments, a simple act of kindness can breathe life back into a weary mom’s soul.

How We Can Build Each Other Up

So how do we put edification into practice? Here are some simple, meaningful ways:

• Offer practical help.
  • Take her children for an afternoon so she can rest.
  • Pick up groceries for her when you’re at the store.
  • Lend curriculum or share resources.
  • Chaperone her kids on a field trip.
  • Grade a stack of math papers (that one alone could make you a hero!).
• Provide spiritual support.
  • Send a short Bible verse by text or Messenger.
  • Offer to do a simple Bible study together, even if it’s just once a week.
  • Hold her accountable in her daily Scripture reading with a quick check-in.
• Speak life with your words.
  • “You’re doing a great job today!”
  • “Your children are such a blessing.”
  • “That recipe you shared is going to be a family favorite at my house.”
  • “I love how you pour into your children.”

Sometimes we don’t even need to ask what someone needs—we just need to do for them what we’d appreciate if the roles were reversed.

Check Your Motives

Edification isn’t about earning praise or recognition.

First Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” When you help a fellow mom, make sure it’s the Lord who gets the credit.

Others are watching—your children, her children, her husband, friends, even extended family. Acts of kindness done with humility can point people straight to Jesus.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, “for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” What are we reaping? Souls for God’s kingdom. That makes edification not just an act of kindness, but an act of eternal significance.

A Call to Humility

True edification requires humility. It means thinking of ourselves less and putting the needs of others first.

As you bless another mom, let her gratitude turn into praise for the Lord. Let her see His love shining through you. Remember—being humble isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.

Why It Matters for the Next Generation

The ripple effects of edification stretch far beyond today.

That exhausted homeschool mom you encourage? Her child may one day teach your grandchildren, lead a business, or even marry your child. By strengthening her today, you’re investing in the future—not just for your family, but for God’s kingdom.

As much as we want our own children to thrive, we should want the same for others. Helping moms succeed in homeschooling helps entire families flourish.

Final Thoughts

We all need edification. Whether you’ve been homeschooling for decades or just started this year, there will be moments when you need someone to come alongside and strengthen you. And there will be times when you get to be that “short board” for someone else.

So today, think of one mom—whether she looks like she has it all together or seems to be hanging on by a thread. Chances are, she could use a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a reminder that she is not alone.

Let’s be women who build each other up, not just for today’s sake, but for the glory of God and the good of the generations to come.

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