The Reformed Life

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul begins addressing a topic that may seem distant to us today—whether Christians can eat food offered to idols. But beneath that cultural question lies a timeless principle: how we use our knowledge matters deeply to God.

“This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:1b–3)

The Corinthians were proud of their theological insight. They had come to understand that idols are nothing and that food has no inherent spiritual value (v.4). But Paul doesn’t begin by affirming their correctness—he starts by checking their posture. Knowing what’s true is important, but knowing how to love is even more essential.

Paul reminds us that knowledge without love leads to arrogance, while knowledge shaped by love leads to edification. In other words, theology isn’t just about having the right answers—it’s about having the right heart. It’s about building up others, not building up ourselves.

What Does Knowledge Without Love Look Like?

Here are five practical ways we can fall into the trap of using knowledge in unloving ways—and a better way forward in each:

1. Correcting Someone Without Compassion

You might be theologically right, but if your correction lacks patience, gentleness, and humility, you’re not loving your brother or sister—you’re just flexing your pride.

Love doesn’t just speak truth—it speaks truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)

2. Flexing Your Liberty at the Expense of Others

Maybe you know you have freedom in Christ to do certain things. But flaunting that freedom in front of a fellow believer whose conscience is weaker can do real harm to their faith.

Knowledge insists on its rights. Love lays them down (See 1 Cor. 8:9–13). 

3. Looking Down on Weaker Believers

It’s one thing to recognize someone is immature in their faith—it’s another to roll your eyes at them, gossip about them, or, worse, caution others to avoid them without ever lifting a finger to help them grow.

I’ve heard it myself: “Be careful around them. They’re not that solid theologically.”
And yet, not once did that person seek to disciple or love the one they were warning others about.

That’s not knowledge. That’s spiritual arrogance in disguise.

4. Using Theology as a Weapon in Arguments

There’s a way to quote Scripture that bruises instead of heals. Some wield their systematic theology like a hammer, aiming to win debates rather than win hearts.

If our theology doesn’t make us more gracious, it’s not godly theology—it’s just noise. (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1–2)

5. Breaking Fellowship Over Non-Essentials

There’s a difference between holding firm convictions and dividing over secondary issues. When we let non-essential doctrines fracture the body of Christ, we’re showing that knowledge matters more to us than love.

Love bears with others. Knowledge walks away.

The Bottom Line:

Knowledge without love turns truth into a club, but knowledge with love turns truth into a bridge.

This is what Paul wants the Corinthian church—and us—to see. As chapter 8 unfolds, he’ll call mature believers to lay down their rights for the sake of their brothers and sisters. That’s what real spiritual maturity looks like: not just knowing the truth, but applying it in ways that build up the body of Christ.

In an age where online debates, theological tribalism, and hyper-criticism are rampant, 1 Corinthians 8:1–3 is a desperately needed word. We must remember: being right is not the highest goal—being Christlike is.

Reflection Questions:

• Is there someone I’ve dismissed or looked down on because they’re “not as solid theologically”? What would it look like to pursue them in love?
• Am I more concerned with guarding my reputation or helping others grow?
• Do I correct others to build them up—or to make myself feel superior?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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