Love Above Knowledge

7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
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Love Above Knowledge
Our Christian freedom must be exercised with love. While knowledge may tell us that an idol is nothing, love sees the weak conscience of our brother or sister in Christ. Our actions, even if they are technically permissible, can cause another to stumble. At the cross of Christ, we see the ultimate example of love over knowledge. Jesus, knowing He could call down angels to avoid the suffering, instead gave up His rights for the sake of others. He bore the weight of our sin, considering not what He was free to do, but what was needed to save. As we live out our faith, may the cross guide us to love, considering others before ourselves.