Love Builds Up

Paul contrasts knowledge and love: 'We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.' One creates arrogance. The other creates community.

I'm an academic. I spent my career accumulating knowledge, proving my expertise, publishing papers. The knowledge is real. But somewhere in it, I became arrogant. I looked down on people less educated. I used knowledge as a weapon. I wasn't building community. I was establishing hierarchy.

Now I'm trying to use knowledge differently. To make it accessible. To share it in service of community health, not personal status. It's a harder way to be an intellectual. Less prestigious. But more redemptive. Love builds up. Knowledge, even accurate knowledge, can destroy if it's not wielded with love.