Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 8:1–3
God ensured that Paul told the Christians in Corinth (and us) that love surpasses knowledge. We read in 1 Corinthians 8:1–3, “Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” God had Paul answer by stating that everyone had knowledge about the issue of meat sacrificed to idols. However, God had Paul point out that knowledge can make people feel boastful whereas love is what strengthens the body of Christ. There must have been some boastful people in the church in Corinth because God had Paul say that anyone who claimed to have all the answers didn’t really know much at all. God reminds us in Romans 12:3, “…not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Therefore, no one should ever think they are better than they truly are, for even the faith each person possesses is a gift from God. But then, we also see in verse 3 that God takes note of His children who love Him and obey Him. God reminds us of this in 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” We must desire God above all else.
Challenge & Application
Why is it that knowledge often puffs people up whereas love encourages and edifies?
How are you guarding against pride and learning to love God and others first and foremost?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!