“Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.” 1 Corinthians 8:1
The apostle Paul made this statement when dealing with food being offered to idols. He highlighted the importance of knowledge and love when dealing in any situation. Whenever one-side ignores the other, the situation becomes out of kilter.
To get knowledge is important. Without knowledge one is ignorant and vulnerable to all types of negative influences. The Book of Proverbs contains over forty maxims emphasizing the importance of knowledge. One of my favorites state that knowledge is more valuable than gold. With knowledge one gains understanding, wisdom and insight. After the gold is gone, with knowledge one can repeat the process and acquire more. But without knowledge, one only ends up spending all the gold and not know how to get more.
Love is how best to interrelate with others. Love is concern with the welfare of others. Jesus is our role model. He demonstrated that sacrificing oneself for others is the best way to express your love. In modern vernacular, love means sacrificing something of the self to add value in the other person’s life.
When knowledge becomes the means of self-aggrandizement, one has lost their way. Likewise, when love becomes self-centered, one has misplaced love’s aim.
The purpose to gain knowledge is not for ego building or to make one feel important. But how can one best serve others. If love likewise turns inward, it is no longer love, but selfish vain glory.
So, Paul demonstrates here in regards to the fallacy of offering food to idols. Your brother may be ignorant of the subject. He has no knowledge of the matter. Don’t stone him. Instead use your knowledge to share the truth in a way that builds up the other rather than devour them. It is not simple to do. Our human tenancy is to blur out the truth like a heavy weight fighter throwing a punch in a world boxing match. Rather we need to learn like Jesus to balance compassion with the truth.
Love and truth best move together hand-in-hand for the Christ-follower. So does knowledge and love best move together hand-in-hand. Some of us find the path naturally easy. The rest of us need to ask the Holy Spirit teach us how best to approach the situation.
Yes, life is a learning process preparing you and me for eternity with Jesus. Each day we get to practice how best to apply the knowledge we gain into the lives of others with love. Every day we get opportunities to share the truth with others. Over time we will come to learn one important fact. People really don’t care how much you know. They really want to know if you truly care for them.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats: (* indicates audio version now available
at Apple Books)
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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Radical In Christ 