"Love Over Knowledge"

Scripture Passage

1 Corinthians 8-11:1

Scripture Focus

But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
                                           (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT)

Observation

I love the moments of intense clarity that highlight Paul’s writings in the middle of addressing some really sticky situations. These days, Paul might be best described as a missionary-evangelist, but these letters to the church at Corinth reflect a pastor’s heart.

The church Paul planted in Corinth is divided, arguing over some things that seem pretty black and white to me (a man sleeping with his stepmother) and over some things that maybe aren’t as clear (eating meat offered to idols). But pulsating through the entire letter are reminders of the primacy of the cross and the priority of love. Paul gets to one of those points in the opening verses of chapter 8.

Knowledge is good. I’m for it. I seek it. I value it. God puts no premium on ignorance, and never has. But when push comes to shove, some things are more important than knowledge—well, at least one thing is for sure: Love. “Knowledge makes us feel important,” Paul says, but “love…strengthens the church” (1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT). My own paraphrase? “Knowledge makes me feel important, but love lets you know you’re important!” Indeed, verse 3 suggests that I’ll not impress God with my vast knowledge (surprise), but when I love well, God takes note!

Love is a theme Paul repeats famously a little later in this letter (1 Corinthians 13—the “love” chapter), but my heart is warmed and challenged to see it here, as well. “Let love dominate my priorities, Lord, valuing people as you do. When you take note of my life, Lord, let it be because of how I’ve loved.”

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