Read 1 Corinthians 8
We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but
love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:1
It has well been said, “Knowledge without love is brutality, but love
without knowledge is hypocrisy.” Paul’s great concern was that the
strong saints help the weaker saints to grow and to stop being weak
saints. Some people have the false notion that the strong Christians
are the ones who live by rules and regulations and who get offended
when others exercise their freedom in Christ, but such is not the case.
It is the weak Christians who must have the security of law and who
are afraid to use their freedom in Christ. It is the weak Christians who
are prone to judge and criticize stronger believers and to stumble over
what they do. This, of course, makes it difficult for the stronger saints
to minister to their weaker brothers and sisters.
It is here that love enters the picture, for “love builds up” and
puts others first. When spiritual knowledge is used in love, stronger
Christians can take the hand of weaker Christians and help them to
stand and walk so as to enjoy their freedom in Christ. Knowledge
must be mixed with love; otherwise, the saints will end up with “big
heads” instead of enlarged hearts.
Something to Ponder
How has someone used a combination of love and knowledge to
make you a stronger Christian?