Knowledge vs. Love

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. -1 Corinthians 8:1b, LSV

If ever there were a stark contrast, this is one of them. It is not as if knowledge is bad. Only that it does not satisfy.

What is meant by "knowledge" here? St. Paul, by the Holy Spirit, uses the word transliterated as "gnosis." Without getting into all the philosophical jargon that attends to mindfulness, "knowledge" is what you perceive as facts gained from your experience.

Among such things may be counted the alphabet, the words you can speak, and the ideas you are able to comprehend because of those words. Moreover, even without words, the experiences you have added to that knowledge.

How is it that these things puff you up and make you arrogant and conceited? Well, take a moment to reflect on how you treat your neighbor with your knowledge. Chances are, you are ready, willing, and able to call them all idiots and fools.

As for "love," its object and purpose is quite different, beginning with the forgiveness obtained by Christ Jesus upon the Cross for all mankind. There is no stronger demonstration of love than shown by forgiveness, whether it be of the idiot or of the fool, for such we all are and have been.

Love builds up because it is born of the One Who has built His church upon Himself by the laying down of His flesh-and-blood life and taking it up again for all the world's transgressions. Love builds up because the Maker of all things undertook in love to incorporate poor sinners into His body and kingdom.

It is not within your own powers to change your knowledge into love. Do not even try. The renewing of your mind is the work of Christ Jesus through His Word and Spirit. You abide in Him, and He will continue to conform you according to His image as He is brought to bear in your midst through His apostolic ministry in your local parish.
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