“We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” (1 Cor. 8:1-3 NIV84)
Jesus claimed that the religious leaders and Pharisees knew and taught a lot of true doctrine but their hearts were still far from the Father. James, the brother of Jesus, in his letter states, “The demons believe and shudder.” Knowledge and reason are required to understand the doctrines of the Christian faith, but they are not enough to provide one’s salvation and eternal life. Twice in our verses for today, Paul mentions the word love. He contrasts love with knowledge and reason and declares that love is supreme. Love is how the Father reveals Himself to us. He loves this sinful world we live in so much that He sent His Son into the world to die for our sins. Jesus also declared that love is how we reveal that we are members of His kingdom. Jesus said that it would be our love that would tell the world that we are His disciples.
There is one more thing I would like to state. When we use “love” in a sentence, a relationship is assumed. If I said, “I love my wife, children, grandchildren,” you would rightly assume I had a relationship with them in which I expressed that love. The same is true with God. He desires to have a relationship with us. He wants you and me to know Him and to know that we are known by Him. Jesus desires more than that you know Him with your head. He wants you to love Him with your heart.
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church