Daily Devotion: Knowledge With Love

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8: 1-13

Main Verse:
1 Corinthians 8: 1
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.

Observation:
The apostle Paul had every bragging right to tell others that he is knowledgeable in the Old Testament Laws. He was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the authority in Jewish law and religion. He was raised to parents who were Pharisees and he learned the laws at an early age. In fact, it was his knowledge of the law that urged him to persecute the first Christians. But in Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church, he reminded them that knowledge is useless without love. Knowledge alone does not unite the church, rather, it leads to division among members, leaders, and congregations. Why is that so? Because the more we know, the harder it is for us to accept our own shortcomings. Knowledge leads to pride and arrogance which leads us to be inconsiderate of others.

Application:
When we do good to someone, do we do it just because we know it is the right thing to do? Do we do it because it is written in the Laws? Or do we do it because we love the person? Being knowledgeable about God's laws or the Bible does not save you, me, or anyone. When we serve others, we do it not because it is the Law or because it is commanded by our pastor or the elders of the church. We serve others because we love them and we want us to be a channel of God's love and blessings. When we share the Word to someone, we do it not because we want the person to praise us for our intellect or to show off the knowledge that we have; we do it because we love the person and we want him to enjoy the same privileges we experience from the Father. We should use the knowledge we gain from studying the Word of God so that others may continue to understand how loving, compassionate, and great is our God. We must use our knowledge to enlighten others and we must do it out of love.

Prayer:
My Lord Jesus, you are my greatest example. Thank you for showing me that true service is done out of love. Thank you for reminding me that only knowledge with love can edify others. Lord, always search my heart and fix me when you find something unworthy in me. Help me live a life that always strives to show to others your great love. Use me so others may know more about you. AMEN.