Love That Builds Up – 1 Corinthians 8:1
- Kristin Smith
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
"But knowledge puffs up while love builds up." – 1 Corinthians 8:1
Devotional Reflection
True love doesn’t tear down; it builds up. In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul reminds the church that while knowledge can make us feel important, it is love that truly strengthens and edifies. Knowledge alone can lead to pride, but love—rooted in Christ—seeks to encourage, uplift, and nurture others.
We live in a time where opinions are often louder than compassion. But Paul teaches that love is greater than being right. It chooses people over pride and relationships over arguments. Knowledge without love may win debates, but it loses hearts. Love, however, listens, understands, and seeks to build bridges rather than walls.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be builders—encouraging others, restoring the broken, and offering grace instead of criticism. When we use our words, actions, and influence to uplift others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who always chose love as His foundation.
Today, let your love be known not by what you say, but by how you build others up.
Inhale Truth, Exhale Trust
Breath Prayer: (Inhale) Let my love build up…(Exhale) And not tear down.
How to Practice a Breath Prayer: Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to settle your heart. As you inhale, pray, “Let my love build up…” and as you exhale, “And not tear down.” Repeat for 2–5 minutes, allowing this prayer to shape your attitude and actions today.
Practical Application
Speak Words that Build: Choose to uplift someone today with a word of encouragement, affirmation, or gratitude.
Listen with Love: In conversations, prioritize understanding over being understood. Listen with patience and grace.
Serve Someone Quietly: Find a small way to build someone up through an act of kindness or support—without seeking recognition.
Journal Prompt
Are there areas where your words or actions have torn down rather than built up? How can you shift your focus to love that encourages, strengthens, and restores?
Closing Prayer
Father, teach me to love in a way that builds others up. Guard my heart against pride and help me to use my words, actions, and influence to encourage and uplift. Let my love be a reflection of Yours—a love that restores, heals, and unites. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Invitation to Live with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Love that reflects Christ seeks to build up, not tear down. Today, let your words and actions be a source of encouragement, kindness, and grace.
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