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1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Knowledge and Love

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1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Knowledge and Love

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Objects suggested: “Puffed” cereal.

It is a good thing to learn all we can. Having a lot of information or knowledge helps us make good choices and have a happy life. It is satisfying to learn something new.

The Bible teaches us that we must be careful how we use our knowledge – the new things we learn. Perhaps we become so pleased with ourselves that we think we know all there is to know or we think we know more than others do.

This is a danger because when we feel we know all there is to know, we stop looking for ways to learn new things. We stop listening to the ideas of others who might be able to teach us something.

When we think we know more than others, we may stop treating them with respect.

The Bible tells us that “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (8:1).
Can you think of things that are “puffed up?” I think of certain kinds of cereals that are “puffed up.” They are mostly filled with air. They don’t have much nutrition or substance.

This is what happens when we become so sure we have all the answers that we don’t consider the feelings and ideas of others. We become “puffed up” with our own importance.

The Bible tells us how to fix this problem: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Love is solid and builds us up into better people. Love is also kind and thoughtful of others.

Together knowledge and love are good things. You must have both. Learn all you can and then let love build you up into a strong, solid person who honors others and honors God.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2010, Richard Niell Donovan