Scripture - 1 Cor 8:1-3 We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who things he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.
Observation - Paul is addressing the Corinthian people in this passage. The Corinthians were a very advanced society that loved knowledge and information. Paul was challenged with teaching them to have a heart relationship with Christ versus just knowing information about Him. Paul wanted them to gain the spirit of the message of Christ not just the letter. He tells them in the second book that "the letter kills but the spirit give life". He warns here in this passage not to be built up on what you know because that knowing can be a hindrance to those around you. He uses the term "puffs up". But to teach through love because love builds up.
Application - It is very frustrating to be around people who think they know it all. You can't tell them anything because they already know or already have that information. They know it all and what ends up happening is that it isolates people from the true message of Christ. They look good - but the message of Christ is tainted by their knowledge. Even if they are right in the information they are wrong in the spirit. We must approach every situation, training, and encouragement in love not knowledge. We must know the word of God but it must be communicated in love.
Prayer - Father help me to know how not to make the message of Christ something reduced to debate and information. Help me to communicate the life giving message of Christ through a spirit of love and humility.
