“Knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. —1 Corinthians 8:1
Jonah was a prophet who went to Nineveh (yet only after going to great lengths to avoid the task God gave him). He spoke the truth, but he didn’t do it with a heart of love. In contrast is the prophet Jeremiah. He had a tough message to deliver to his nation about God’s judgment. Like Jonah, he proclaimed truth. However, he did it with a compassionate heart.
In 1 Corinthians 13:2, Paul says, “If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
Many of us have the opportunity to be involved in Bible studies and are able to study God’s Word. However, if we just have knowledge without love, it puffs us up and makes us arrogant.
It’s not wrong to have knowledge. What’s wrong is if we have knowledge without love. If my knowledge of the Word of God does not make me more humble, gracious, and tenderhearted toward others, then what has it profited me? Nothing.
Make it Personal
Pray that whenever you share your knowledge of God’s Word it will always be delivered with love for the recipients.