Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1 Cor 8:1c AKJV)
But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (1 Cor 8:1c NIV)
The portion of Scripture shown above clearly reminds us that love edifies, or builds up the body of Christ. What does this mean?
It’s our responsibility, as believers, to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ by how we live our lives and by what we teach. (See Eph 4:11-16)
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. (1 Cor 14:26 NKJV)
The passage above reminds us that what we do and teach during an assembly or a church meeting should all be geared toward the spiritual growth and maturing of those who attend the gathering. It gives us suggestions on what to do in order to build people up. Our teaching, singing, and moving in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit will build up the body of Christ.
In every situation, the Word of God is the foundation for spiritual growth. But rather than allowing our knowledge of the Word to move us toward pride, we must be continually anchored by God’s love for mankind and by His love for each one of us.
The Lord is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet 3:9). His unconditional love living in our hearts will keep us stable and secure as we grow in wisdom and knowledge.
. . . that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:2-3 NKJV)
In Christ, we have received untold treasures!
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