Love and Knowledge

I have taken part in forums since the early 90’s when my wife was ill and it was the only way we could communicate with others in our restrictive conditions. Over the years, and it didn’t take many, it became clear that everyone on the forums, myself included, was there to teach, not learn when a debate came up. It was as if everyone had a microphone, but no one wanted to put on earphones!

As we share our insights, it is natural to dig in and place a trench around our territory. We want people to learn what we have learned and what we hold dear. The problem comes in when we have learned error and in the innocence of our hearts begin to spread it. How do we handle it if someone says, “wait a minute, that’s not right…”?

We have a choice now. Do I take it personally and defend my knowledge for the sake of defending my own name, or do I walk in love, willing to learn something new and perchance open my heart and eyes to see if it is of God?

Because we will not all agree at any given time, it is important that we keep in mind the proper perspective between love and knowledge. We are created in God’s image. God is love. Love is the fulfilling of the law. “Though I have all knowledge, and know all mysteries and have not charity, it profits me nothing.”

“For now we know in part, and prophesy in part…” Let us not be so focused on winning an argument that we loose our sanctification. Let our conversation be done in humility, with a readiness to love and honor one another as we compare notes on our Christian journey. In the end, God is not looking down to see who spoke His Word more clearly – He is looking to see who LIVED it more clearly.

I have been a window cleaner for over 25 years now. Nothing glamorous. When I started, I wanted to be GOOD and FAST. I had a choice. “Do I focus on speed, and let the quality workmanship come?” Or, “Do I focus on quality, and let the speed come?”

I chose the latter, knowing that if I focused on speed, the quality would probably not get where I eventually knew it needed to be.

As we share our thoughts, let it be done in love and the knowledge of God’s Word. Lets focus on showing the love of Christ, and the knowledge will eventually come out. If we focus on making sure we get our message out, the love may never come. We want both to be there.

“People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” It is so simple, and so true. Jesus demonstrated His love openly, and they flocked to listen. Let’s go and do likewise!

Blessings and Peace,
Timothy