If anyone thinks of himself as a know-it-all, he still has a lot to learn.
1 Corinthians 8:2 TPT
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul explores the vital difference between knowledge and love (1 Cor. 8:1-3). He begins by acknowledging that knowledge is valuable, but it can also create pride. When our actions are driven only by what we know, we may grow self-exalted. We can become convinced that our opinion is the only one that matters.
The Passion Translation puts it plainly: “It seems that everyone believes his own opinion is right on this matter.” (V. 1) This shows how easily our viewpoints can puff us up.
The moment love enters the picture, everything changes. The Amplified Classic Bible explains it well: “Mere knowledge causes people to be puffed up, to bear themselves loftily and be proud, but love, affection and goodwill and benevolence, it edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow to his full stature.” This verse is a heartfelt call to us. Seeking knowledge is good, but facts alone fall short. What we truly need is a loving relationship with God that flows into every part of life.
Without genuine affection, goodwill, and benevolence, knowledge remains incomplete. A person may presume to understand divine truths, but without love, that knowledge is shallow. They have not truly grasped God’s heart.
On the other hand, when we love God sincerely—with reverence, obedience, and gratitude—He knows us. We become worthy of His intimacy and care. We belong to Him. This is what matters most: not knowledge, but love. Not eloquence, but love. This love moves us to lay down our lives for one another. It leads us to serve as Christ did and to walk in His steps.
Christ loved without fault. When He served or taught, His aim was never to show off. His source and purpose were not pride, but love. Every act of His ministry was rooted in God’s heart for the hearer’s growth and encouragement. His example shows us the way: knowledge alone cannot edify, but love builds up.
Living It Out
Reflect on your life today. Do you lean more on what you know than on how you love? Ask God to fill you with His love, so your words and actions come from a heart that builds others up. Let your life shine as a testimony of His love, not your own wisdom.