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Charity Edifieth
Paul in I Cor.8:1 says, ANow as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Let's look for a few moments at Paul's last phrase about love and knowledge.
First, Paul is not saying that knowledge is bad or non essential. Jesus said the truth shall make us free, John 8:32, AAnd ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.thus knowledge is essential. Paul said for us not to be unwise but to understand what the will of the Lord is, Eph.5:18. But beware, having knowledge, even of that which is right can be dangerous if it's not tempered with love. You see Paul said it puffs one up. People can swell up in pride for what they know and become arrogant and run rough shod over others, which is what Paul is dealing with in this context, AAnd through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? I Cor.8:11. We can become haughty, and use our knowledge like a club to beat people over the head. Too often we can have an arrogant attitude and speak to others in an unbecoming manner; walking away gloating how we Awon that battle. Maybe we have, but we lost the war!
Now on the other hand, charity or love will seek to edify or build the other fellow up with what one knows. Love will seek to do the other fellow good and shun destroying the other fellow. AWherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.I Cor.8:13. You see Paul says that love is considerate of the other man, love is longsuffering and is not puffed up, and is not rude, I Cor. 13:4-5. The same God that commands us to be Ain the know. Is the same God that commands love, patience, kindness, meekness in our teaching of others! Cf. Eph. 4:15, 2 Tim.2:24-26.
Yes, we must grow in the knowledge of the Lord as 2 Peter 3:18 says, but let's temper that knowledge with a liberal dose of genuine love.
