Love Edifies
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Corinthians 8 and Psalm 68:19-35 (NIV)
(Adam Leong, Chairperson, Family Life Ministry)
READ:
1 Corinthians 8:1 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. (1 Corinthians 8:1, NASB 1995)
I definitely have had my fair share of feeling arrogant with knowledge. As I reflect on my past journey, as a young and enthusiastic believer, I have at times quoted the Bible to shame the listener into hearing the gospel. Although at that time my intentions were good, that is to share the gospel, upon reflection, my heart was not in the right place.
God never intended to shame us into heaven. Heaven is an open invitation for all who would believe in Jesus and the work He did at Calvary. And we enter into heaven with a posture of humility and a heart full of gratitude. Why? Because by ourselves we can never enter heaven.
By the grace of God, the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit, He revealed to me the meaning of Galatians 6:1: Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of arrogance, thinking that I have got it all. This is something which I will always have to guard myself against. How not to be arrogant because of what I know, but to allow what I know to humble me, so that I can be thankful instead.
APPLY:
As I continue on my discipleship journey, I know there will be many opportunities for me to share His Word with others. There will also be many opportunities to be arrogant instead of being edifying. To make sure that I am not sharing His Word to make myself look good, my heart adopts a humble posture, always being grateful for the opportunity to share His Word and to be able to edify others.
DO:
I need to make an intentional effort to check on my heart and to allow the Holy Spirit free rein, to show me what it means to edify. It is not me that edifies although the words are coming out from my mouth to the listener, but it is the power of the Holy Spirt.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your grace and mercy in my life. How you have lifted me out of the miry clay and set me on solid ground. Even as I follow your leading to be a blessing to those around me, may your Holy Spirit remind me to always share your Word in love with others, and be thankful. In the powerful and gentle Name of Jesus, Amen.
