SCRIPTURE:
“Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
1 Corinthians 8:1-2
OBSERVATION:
Paul addresses their concerns about meat offered to idols. The offering was divided into three portions with one third being given to the priest. The priest had the option to sell it at the meat market or the temple restaurant. Now comes the dilemma for the believer. Did that mean he couldn’t eat there? What if he were an invited guest for a meal in a home that had used this meat? Paul pushes back on the topic of food and instead focuses on the “knowing” verses the “loving” part of the believer’s life. Knowledge puffs us, but love builds up.
APPLICATION:
Growing up I had three older brothers. One of them tended to do what he wanted, when he wanted and how he wanted to. There wasn’t much anyone could say to him. He did as he pleased. As was often the case, he would do things that would get him into trouble. This followed him into his young adult years.
I remember once that he had gotten himself into quite a bit of trouble and everyone in our family said all the usual things like, “You should have known better.” We collectively shook our heads and waved our fingers at him. All expect one of my brothers. I’ll never forget what he said to all of us. He stopped us and said, “Look, we all know what he did was wrong. So does he. He needs help right now. Now isn’t the time to kick him while he’s down.”
What he was saying to us was that he needed our encouragement and love, not more knowledge about what he did and how wrong he was. We needed to build him up and not puff ourselves up. It was a lesson I carry with me to this day. When someone is down, they don’t need us to push them back to the ground. They need us to reach out a hand to pick them up and build them back up.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have puffed myself up instead of building others up. Thank You Lord for the reminder to choose love over knowledge. May I do my best to build others up as You have called me to, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
