Love and the Church

[Woody]

“Underemphasizing love and seeking to protect our understanding of truth and our way of life not only produces an enforcement mentality toward those in the Church but also creates an antagonistic stance toward those outside of the Church. An underemphasis on love and an overemphasis on knowledge generates a posture of arrogance toward others. I feel some confidence in saying this, since the apostle Paul already has: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor. 8:1). An overemphasis on knowing can lead to a de-emphasis on loving, and that results in arrogance, which influences how we relate to those outside of the Church.” —Mark L. Russell

[JoeMo]

That is a fairly valid point Woody.

[joeb]

“Underemphasizing love and seeking to protect our understanding of truth and our way of life not only produces an enforcement mentality toward those in the Church but also creates an antagonistic stance toward those outside of the Church. An underemphasis on love and an overemphasis on knowledge generates a posture of arrogance toward others. I feel some confidence in saying this, since the apostle Paul already has: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor. 8:1). An overemphasis on knowing can lead to a de-emphasis on loving, and that results in arrogance, which influences how we relate to those outside of the Church.” —Mark L. Russell

There is only one place in which the balance of all these things can be found. It exists in the heart re-created in the image of God.

[Woody]

That is a fairly valid point Woody.

Surely you UNDERstate JoeMo.

[Gerr]

“Underemphasizing love and seeking to protect our understanding of truth and our way of life not only produces an enforcement mentality toward those in the Church but also creates an antagonistic stance toward those outside of the Church. An underemphasis on love and an overemphasis on knowledge generates a posture of arrogance toward others. I feel some confidence in saying this, since the apostle Paul already has: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor. 8:1). An overemphasis on knowing can lead to a de-emphasis on loving, and that results in arrogance, which influences how we relate to those outside of the Church.” —Mark L. Russell

I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don’t have love, I am nothing.

GOD'S WORD Translation. 1995 (1 Co 13:2). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

ESV | ýHo 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;