“But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1, New International Version)
One of the risks of learning is that we will gain knowledge. Wait a minute! Aren’t we supposed to gain knowledge; to grow in our understanding? Aren’t we supposed to know God and His word better as we grow in Him?
Absolutely! But we need a filter through which this new knowledge flows into practice.
I really, really enjoy my morning cup(s) of coffee (did I mention really?). I would enjoy them significantly less if I did not use a filter to catch the grounds. By filtering out the grounds, I am blessed with this heavenly elixir (did I mention really?) that results in my being a pleasant person as I enter the day.
Think of love as the filter through which knowledge flows. My growing knowledge of God and His word should result in my loving God more and loving people more. If I don’t filter this knowledge through love, my application of knowledge may be bitter, harsh, and too strong for people to handle. If my knowledge leaves them spitting out bitter grounds, then how has my knowledge benefitted anyone?
Question: How can we be more intentional about applying the filter of love as we grow in knowledge?
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