I actually read something in the Message translation today- interesting how much of a difference wording can make- I liked the passage but wondered what it looks like in the lovely, trusty Amplified... here it is! Read this carefully, it's great!
1 Corinthians 8
1Yet mere knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature].
2If anyone imagines that he has come to know and understand much [of divine things, without love], he does not yet perceive and recognize and understand as strongly and clearly, nor has he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought or as is necessary.
3But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].
If we have only knowledge we are going to get a big head- that's how it goes. But love, love on the other hand deflates our big heads because we realize that others are to be thought of as more important than ourselves- so we stop caring about how knowledgeable we are and start caring about how we can help others with that knowledge. Love doesn't puff up, it builds up - knowledge inflates, and someday, something will come along and pop that puffed up head - but love builds up, a process carried out on a strong foundation. Love wants to see others become all God has in store for them to be.
If we think we're all knowledgeable and understanding about divine things we need another think. God is divine and God is love, how can we know the divine without knowing love? We can't - if that is what we think we don't truly know love.
True love for God is this; that we fear Him, lovingly - love and respect don't get separated for God either. Love is obedience- and not 5 years or 5 days down the road- today, now, this very instant, in ALL that we do and think. Love also involves thanking God - recognizing that the good in our life is because of him- that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. If we love God in that way we have a small picture of what knowing love, what knowing Him, is like. Not only are we know by God through this kind of love, we are also worthy of his intimacy and love, and we are owned by Him. I am my beloved's and He is mine. What powerful thoughts to think on... and I'll be sleeping on this too.
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