love is greater than knowledge

Today in the One Year Bible, Paul says something pretty profound in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. He says, "Knowledge makes us feel important, but love strengthens the church." That's powerful enough by itself. But then he goes on to say, "Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much." Which is very much related to Socrates being wise because he knew that he knew nothing. And then Paul totally blasts us with, "But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes."

So first: knowledge is important, but remember, it also tends to make you feel important. Knowledge can puff you up with pride. Love, on the other hand, takes your focus OFF of yourself and allows you to care about the other person.

Second, one of the wisest things we can realize is that we don't know much. The freshman in college thinks he's super intelligent because he's been given a little knowledge. By the time he's a senior (if he pays attention) he'll realize how little he does, in fact know. Humility is reality. Pride is artificial.

Third, and finally - if you don't want God to one day say the worst phrase you can possibly hear, "Depart from Me, for I never knew you," then it would behoove you to learn to love. And we love God by loving other people. That means doing things for them, not just feeling warm fuzzies.

God, thanks for teaching us how important love is.... and how important knowledge isn't.