Now about food offered to idols: of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature].
1 Corinthians 8:1 AMP
Next is your question about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. On this question everyone feels that only his answer is the right one! But although being a “know-it-all” makes us feel important, what is really needed to build the church is love. TLB
Being right is very overrated. We've all suffered at the hands of a "know-it-all" sometime in our lives. They are the ones who love to say "I told you so" whenever we go down a wrong path and fail. At school, we find that they are the ones who run to teacher and tell tales on others. Or, at work, they point out our failures in front of our employer in order to score points and show up just how perfect they are!
In the Kingdom of Heaven, things are very different. Yes, of course, we need to be very aware of what the Bible has to say on various life changing issues, as the passage above points out. Yet the emphasis is always to be on helping each other along the way.
Knowledge is a gratification for ourselves, whereas love is a hand reaching out to lift someone up and encourage them to keep going.
Nicodemus, was "Israel's teacher", a very learned scholar in the scriptures, yet Jesus makes it very plain that his earthly head knowledge meant very little in knowing God.
John 3:1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
Stay on course in LOVE, for true love will lead you not into knowledge, but into wisdom [how to apply knowledge in love and build up others and yourself into the bargain].
When you read something in God's word, ask "How can I use this wisely to build and encourage someone?"
God's word is a sharp spiritual tool, not to chop someone to pieces, but to cut out things that are harmful to our lives - much like a surgeon's scalpel removes a cancer.
Father God, help me to use the knowledge you impart by Your Holy Spirit to bring love, life and encouragement to others today.
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