Love Builds Up

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

As a lifelong learner and someone who thirsts for knowledge, it is important for me to always think with love in mind first before knowledge. I am often frustrated with people who "forget what they know". It kind of drives me bonkers.  And horrible would it be if I responded to them out of my knowledge? I would be so condescending and rude.  My goal is to always start with love. If I start with love, the chances of my knowledge being received with a softer heart are increased tenfold.  And if I respond in love, I will not be a stumbling block to my brothers and sisters because I will learn from them what they really understand before I speak knowledge that is beyond what they know in the first place.  We are called to love one another, to build one another up. Our responses to one another must be in love first, because only then will we be able to teach the heart.  (Please note that I have said "teach" the heart, not "change" it.  Changing hearts is God's job, not ours.)