In today’s passage, Paul addresses the issue of eating food
sacrificed to idols—a heated topic in the Corinthian church. While some
believers felt free to eat such food without any qualms, others (whose
consciences were more fragile) were troubled by this practice. The crux of
Paul's message is that believers should prioritize love and sensitivity towards
others over their own freedoms and knowledge. Those with greater understanding
should be compassionate and considerate of those with weaker consciences.
Our modern-day church doesn't grapple with idol food
offerings, but we do face a myriad of contentious topics: Women in leadership,
social justice, immigration, politics, modesty in dress, music styles, alcohol
consumption, preaching methods, the prosperity gospel, end-times theology,
technology in worship, holiday celebrations, climate change, mission
strategies, methods of evangelism—the list goes on and on. All too often, we
are prone to think we have superior knowledge on these topics.
However, the issue isn’t knowledge itself—after all,
Scripture encourages wisdom and understanding.
The problem is when knowledge is divorced from love, leading to
self-inflation rather than Christlike humility. True godly knowledge
should lead to greater love, service, and humility, not an inflated sense of
superiority.
As we grow deeper in our understanding of God and His word,
let's ensure that rather than our heads being “puffed up” with knowledge, our
hearts are “swelled up” with His love. We should pursue knowledge—not for
personal recognition or admiration—but to deepen our genuine love for God and
for one another.
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