In what ways can you prioritize love over knowledge in your faith journey? Love Never Fails “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8) Recognizing the Limitations of Knowledge • Knowledge is a gift from God, yet it is temporary and partial (1 Corinthians 13:9). • Scripture literally states that even the best human insight “will pass away,” so it must never eclipse love. • “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Love, not intellect, is the true builder of Christ’s body. Why Love Outlasts Every Spiritual Gift • Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge serve the church for a season; love endures into eternity. • God Himself is love (1 John 4:8). When we prioritize love, we mirror His very nature. • Colossians 3:14: “And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” Love binds all other graces together. Putting Love First in Daily Life • Speak truth seasoned with grace (Ephesians 4:15). • Trade winning arguments for winning hearts; listen before instructing. • When studying Scripture, ask how each passage calls you to serve someone today. • Forgive quickly—“love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). • Give preference to others in minor doctrinal differences that do not compromise gospel essentials (Romans 14:19). Guardrails for Doctrine and Love • Sound doctrine protects the church from error (Titus 1:9). Love protects the church from cold orthodoxy. Hold both, but let love govern your tone and actions. • Galatians 5:6: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Right belief expresses itself in right relationship. Living Examples from Scripture • Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4): He possessed perfect knowledge yet began with compassionate conversation. • Barnabas toward Saul (Acts 9:26-28): He used his credibility to bridge fearful believers to a transformed brother. • The Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8): Though poor, they begged Paul for the privilege of giving—love trumped limited resources and understanding. Practical Steps for the Church Family • Make hospitality a rhythm: invite others in regardless of background (Romans 12:13). • Pair Bible study with service projects; apply what you learn immediately. • Celebrate acts of kindness publicly to reinforce a culture of love. • Mentor new believers with both doctrinal clarity and personal warmth. • If discussions grow heated, pause to pray for the other person silently, asking God to enlarge mutual love. The Eternal Perspective Knowledge will one day be complete only in God’s presence, but love will already be perfected in every believer. Choose daily to invest in what outlasts time itself. |
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