Knowledge vs. Charity

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Wishing you a blessed weekend.

Primary Text

“Now about food offered to idols: of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature].” 1 Corinthians 8v1 (AMP)

“Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about the issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.” 1 Corinthians 8v1 (NLT)

Here, Paul was addressing a question that was posed to him by the church in Corinth, that concerning food given to idols. An idol being an “object of adoration, worshiped as a god.” Something that man makes to take the place of God. Paul is here saying that we all have knowledge about this issue, but that mere knowledge causes people to become puffed up – oh, I know this, this is the way to go, this is what must be done, you must listen to my way e.t.c. But love is the one that builds up. Perhaps you have knowledge about a lot of things pertaining to Christianity, its doctrines, righteousness, but is it helping to edify anybody? Are you letting the flesh dominate the way you use your knowledge or is the Spirit of God directing and guiding your lips and actions. Proverbs 12v23 (AMP) says “A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly.” Our God is a God of knowledge. He knows about everything. He is the Omniscient One, and yet He is a God of love. He knows the right time to reveal things. He knows what to reveal and what not to reveal. He uses knowledge in the right way. How are you using knowledge beloved? Are you using it with love to the edification of the body of Christ or are you puffed up?

Supplementary Text

“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth a of a fool belches out foolishness.” Proverbs 15v2 (NLT)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word. Father, please help me to use knowledge wisely and with love. Let me not be puffed up about any knowledge I have in Jesus name, amen.