Built Up in Love

Building with Love, Not Boasting in Knowledge”

Knowledge puffs up,

 but love builds up. 

 1 Corinthians 8:1b

In a world where knowledge is power, the Apostle Paul reminds us that knowledge without love can be destructive. While knowledge is good and even necessary, it must be governed by love. Paul writes, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Knowledge alone can become prideful and isolating, even when doctrinally correct. True maturity is not about being right but being loving.

Love, however, does not reject knowledge—it deepens and sanctifies it. Paul prays, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9). Love gives knowledge its purpose. It builds others up, guards the vulnerable, and reflects the heart of Christ. When our actions are motivated by love, our knowledge becomes a blessing rather than a burden. In loving, we reflect the One who gave His life for the weak and called us to walk in the same way.

So let us measure our lives not by how much we know, but by how much we love. Paul ends 1 Corinthians 8 by resolving never to use his liberty in a way that causes a fellow believer to stumble. This is the fruit of love in action—voluntarily limiting freedom for the sake of another’s good. “Whoever loves God is known by God” (1 Corinthians 8:3). To be known by God is the greatest knowledge of all. May we pursue love that builds up, for love is what will endure into eternity.

Prayer 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of knowledge, but even more for the gift of love. Help us to use what we know to build others up. May our love abound more and more in wisdom and insight. Teach us to walk in humility and reflect the love of Christ in all we do.

Amen.