Folks who claim to have all the answers when it comes to God or religion don’t make effective missionaries, teachers, or ministers. In his letter to Corinth, Paul is offering advice regarding food that has been offered to idols. His point is the same point Christ conveyed to His followers. Rely on love rather than knowledge.
Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT)
Knowlege is easy to acquire and easier to spread around. Love doesn’t come easily, and sharing it takes a great deal of strength and courage. That’s true for individuals, and it’s true for the church. The church is a family, not an organization or a university. It is a group of imperfect people who are willing to risk everything for love.
No one enjoys learning or research more than I do, but I make sure to keep knowledge in its place. Love comes first, and that means giving up my need to know and be right. Love cannot be defined or described, but it can be shared. Love isn’t about facts; it’s about being recognized. Those who love me, know and recognize me with delight. In verse eight, Paul told the folks at Corinth, “the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.” Those are powerful words.
Knowing and knowledge are not the same. Knowing and loving go hand in hand. Love allows me to know God, myself, and others. I get sidetracked by ego or lost in lust when I rely on my head knowledge instead of my heart knowing. A heart full of love is a heart filled with God. Paul isn’t saying to give up knowledge. He simply wants, what God wants, for me to put love first. When I do that, wisdom replaces knowledge, and love leads the way.
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