Watch What You Eat
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. I Corinthians 8:1-2
Often, we find ourselves in the pursuit of knowledge, thinking that once we attain such a covenant commodity, we will gain more than others. Nonetheless, these verses should awaken believers to realize that God gives knowledge to help others rather than harm, rendering it less beneficial when misused. We must remember that knowledge is a gift from God for honoring Him and serving others. When we use knowledge to serve others, we honor God and inspire those around us. When we misuse knowledge, we become arrogant, leading to manipulation and exploitation, and then knowledge becomes controlling. Ultimately, such misuse will harm our community, creating a culture of selfishness rather than genuine care toward others.
When the Apostle Paul wanted to address eating food offered to idols, his focus shifted to knowledge. Therefore, Paul deems knowledge as irrational when it offends others, causing the person with the knowledge to sin. I often ponder whether my pursuit of knowledge, which empowers me to express my thoughts freely, will eventually hinder the spiritual development of others. For example, when I share an opinion about a controversial topic that may contradict someone else's beliefs, am I causing more harm than good? On the other hand, some people believe that knowledge is not irrational when it offends others because it is factual.
Because of the lack of clarity that others may have, the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians that critical knowledge rests in this verse. But if any man loves God, the same is known of him. (I Corinthians 8:3) Remember: God knows those who love Him. Therefore, love surpasses knowledge because God demonstrates love in every situation. All in all, one must not censor knowledge but instead embrace knowledge as a source to demonstrate Godly love to others.
Therefore, Paul’s response to eating meat offered to idols engages not in the liberty of your knowledge but in your love for your brother. So, love is absolute while humbling knowledge.
