Make love our default…. (devo reflection)

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

“Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” What a true and powerful statement. If I think I know—what’s really going on, that I’m right and you’re wrong, etc—then my focus, typically, is on proving my rightness. Love is nowhere to be found. There is definitely no building up going on there.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.

Not only does love build up others, loving God makes you known to God. By loving God and loving others, I am known to God and I am building up others. I think love can be a leaven, too. A little bit of love, steadily applied, can permeate the entire loaf and make it rise, lifting everyone up.

1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Lord, As a culture, we are often hardwired to defend our rightness. But that way lies pride and destruction. Help us, instead, to make love our default. Help us to steadily apply love in all situations, so that we may be part of a beautiful building up of humanity instead of tearing it down. Help us, Lord. Amen.

1 Corinthians 8:12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

Have a blessed day.