“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 Cor 8:1-3
I have recently been reading through 1 Corinthians and was very much struck by these verses again. The issue in the Corinthian church was food offered to idols and clearly there were differing opinions and understanding and presumably “certainty” about this issue from both ends of the spectrum in their community.
Paul notes that knowledge can create levels and make individuals feel important but it doesn’t really benefit the church as a whole. It is love that strengthens the church. We show love with our actions that reach out beyond our head knowledge or opinions.
The church today faces multiple issues that can divide us just as the early church did and it is when we show love and understanding to each other in the midst of these issues that we strengthen the church and those within it. When we set aside our “fixed” opinions to consider others who may be younger or older in the faith, when we offer encouragement or assistance to those who need it, irrespective of appearance or knowledge then we are showing the love and consideration that Jesus showed. In doing this we are not only being his disciples and followers but we also encourage others to follow him through our loving actions.
Our love for God is demonstrated in this as is our deeper understanding of Him.