We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. – (1 Corinthians 8:1, NIV)
It is certainly true that, “we all have knowledge,” as you say. But this knowledge only fills people with pride. It is love that helps the church grow stronger. – (1 Corinthians 8:1, ERV)
We know that all of us have knowledge, but knowledge can be risky. Knowledge promotes overconfidence and worse arrogance, but charity of the heart (love, that is) looks to build up others. – (1 Corinthians 8:1, VOICE)
Knowledge can fill people with pride and divide, whereas love builds others up and brings us together. Though knowledge is good, it is only as good as how it is utilized. When we take what we know and allow love to lead, then it can be used to bless and build others up. However, when we have not love, knowledge promotes puffed up pride. What we do with what we know determines whether we are united or divided with those around us. Sadly, much of our culture today, has many believing they have “knowledge”, yet it is expressed without love and seeks to divide. Too often, we mistake opinion for knowledge, and leave love behind in conversations. We need to get to a place where we can have candid conversation, sharing what we think or what we know, with mutual love and respect so that all might grow stronger together. Our life experience is an overarching reason for why we believe what we believe and know what we know. Love listens and seeks to understand, where arrogance believes that one’s own way is the only way. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in love so that we may build each other up and set foolish pride aside.
Knowledge is knowing,
neither good or bad;
it can lead to pride,
if love is not had.
Love is the answer,
it gives and builds up;
it seeks understand,
to fill others cups.
Love truly listens,
with mercy and grace;
given selflessly,
and walks in His ways.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You lead and instruct us in Your ways so that we might love and build up, rather than isolate in arrogance. Thank You that true wisdom comes as we love and pursue You, and such knowing leads us to love well. Forgive us for allowing knowledge to puff us up, rather than allowing Your love to lead us. Show us how to use our understanding to love and build others up. Lead us in Your love throughout each new day. May many come into a loving and lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to understand how to love and build up, so that our community grows stronger in goodness and grace. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:16
Revelations In Writing 