How to Be Known by God 1 Corinthians 8:3 Devotional

In this 1 Corinthians 8:3 Devotional, we’ll discover how to be known by God. What does it mean to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe? How can we ensure our lives reflect the love of God and honor Him in everything we do? In this scripture, the apostle Paul answers important questions about Christian liberty, knowledge of God, and how true love should shape our behavior as believers. Let’s explore this passage together and uncover practical ways to draw closer to God and reflect His love in our daily lives.

Have you ever struggled with feeling like you just don’t know enough about the Bible? It seems like everywhere we turn, there’s someone with more knowledge than us. When I started writing Bible studies years ago, I felt like I wasn’t good enough, didn’t know enough, or wouldn’t live up to the expectations. I worried that my lack of theological training would hold me back and that others might see me as inadequate. But over time, God showed me a powerful truth: while knowledge is important, it’s not the measure of our worth in His eyes. What matters most is our love for Him and our willingness to let that love shape our lives. This brings us to the heart of 1 Corinthians 8:3—a verse that reminds us that loving God is what truly allows us to be known by Him.

What is the Meaning of 1 Corinthians 8:3?

Corinthians chapter 8 says…

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

1 Corinthians 8:3 New King James Version

This verse reveals a beautiful truth that’s vital for every Christian to understand, our relationship with God isn’t about how much we know, but how deeply we love Him. To love God with all our heart is to be in an intimate relationship where we’re fully known and cherished by Him. This love isn’t just an emotion, it’s a wholehearted devotion that transforms our lives and aligns us with His will. Being known by God is the greatest privilege of the Christian life because it reflects His love for us and our response in faithfully loving Him back.

Steps to Deepen Your Relationship with God

To be known by God is to live in a loving, intimate relationship with Him. Here are some practical steps to help deepen your relationship with Him:

Love God Wholeheartedly: Put God first in your heart, surrendering every part of your life to Him.
Spend Time in His Word: Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to grow your understanding of His character and your faith.
Pray Continually: Talk to God daily, sharing your thoughts, struggles, and gratitude with Him.
Walk in Obedience: Follow His commandments, allowing His love to guide your choices and actions.
Show Love to Others: Reflect God’s love by serving others, caring for their needs, and building them up in their faith.
Trust in His Sovereignty: Rest in the confidence that He knows you intimately and has a plan for your life.
Seek to Know Him More: Pursue a deeper relationship with Him, knowing that as you draw near to God, He draws near to you (James 4:8).

Understanding the Context of 1 Corinthians 8:3

It’s important for us to consider the context of 1 Corinthians 8:3. This passage follows Paul’s discussion with the Corinthian Christians about eating food offered to idols. While some believers had spiritual knowledge of the One True God and understood that idols did not really exist, others, particularly weaker brothers and sisters in the faith, struggled with their former association with idol worship. This created tension in the church, as mature believers exercised their Christian liberty without fully considering its impact on the people around them.

Paul begins this chapter with a sincere desire for all Christians to prioritize love over knowledge…

Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that ‘we all have knowledge’ about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT

While it’s true that “an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God,” (1 Corinthians 8:4 NLT), Paul calls believers to a higher standard, one rooted in sacrificial love. For some in Corinth, the eating of food offered in pagan worship ceremonies or dining in an idol’s temple seemed harmless because they knew these so-called gods had no real existence. However, for weaker Christians, this behavior posed a direct challenge to their faith. Their weak conscience couldn’t yet grasp the full freedom found in Christian liberty, leaving them vulnerable to confusion, spiritual harm, and even a return to idolatry.

Paul’s teaching emphasizes that knowledge alone isn’t enough. In fact, knowledge, when used carelessly, can lead to harm. True spiritual maturity isn’t just about knowing the Bible. It’s bigger than knowledge alone. It’s about demonstrating the love of Christ in every decision. As Paul states, “But knowledge puffs up while love builds up,” guiding believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over their personal freedom (1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV).

The apostle Paul makes it clear: no amount of knowledge justifies causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble. Paul reinforces this important principle in Romans…

If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:15 NIV

For the Corinthians, the eating of meat in temple dining rooms wasn’t simply a matter of personal choice, it had real implications for the spiritual growth of weaker believers. These weak Christians, those with a past connection to worshipping a false god, were at risk of falling back into sinful practices if they saw such behavior as acceptable. Paul’s method was to redirect the Corinthians toward love that builds up the church, teaching them that Christian liberty must always be guided by the love of Christ.

Ultimately, Paul’s point is simple but heartfelt, love and consideration for others are more important than our knowledge of scripture or our personal freedom. The God of love calls every believer to reflect His heart by demonstrating compassion and mercy, ensuring that their actions never become a stumbling block for other Christians but instead strengthen the entire body of Christ.

The Contrast Between Knowledge and Love

Paul’s point highlights the difference between human knowledge and divine love. Knowledge of a person’s spiritual maturity can lead to arrogance when it’s not tempered with humility. The Corinthians needed to learn that love is the safe guide in all matters of conscience.

The kind of knowledge Paul refers to isn’t wrong in a general sense. After all, the knowledge of God and His great love for us is the foundation of our Christian faith. But when believers use their superior knowledge without considering weaker Christians, it can harm those with a weak conscience. Paul emphasizes that love for God should be the ultimate goal, motivating us to act with steadfast obedience to His commands.

This principle is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 13:2, where Paul writes…

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:2 New International Version

Even the greatest spiritual gifts or the deepest knowledge of our faith are meaningless without love as the driving force. The Corinthians needed to understand that their knowledge that pagan gods’ didn’t really exist wasn’t enough if it caused harm to a weak person. True love, rooted in God, values others above personal freedom and seeks to edify weaker Christians rather than becoming a stumbling block.

True Love in the Christian Life

True love, as modeled by Christ, always prioritizes others above self. It’s the love of Christ that teaches us to exercise Christian liberty in ways that reflect God’s heart, ensuring our actions help rather than harm others. Paul’s method was to guide the Corinthian Christians toward true knowledge, knowledge rooted in selfless love, not in the conceit of knowledge that disregards the needs of weaker believers.

The Holy Bible teaches that God’s love is a safe guide, offering wisdom that steers us away from danger. In the Gospel of John, the Lord Jesus Christ commands us…

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:34-35 NIV

This selfless love is the evidence of a life transformed by God’s Spirit. When we genuinely love God, it shows in our actions, especially in the care and compassion we extend to weaker Christians. This kind of love reflects what it means to be known by God, a heart fully aligned with His will, and committed to encouraging and building up others in their faith.

What Drives Christian Behavior?

The driving force behind Christian behavior isn’t the direction of mere knowledge but the love of God. This love compels us to consider the impact of our actions on other people, ensuring that what we do helps rather than hinders their faith. Paul uses different words and examples to highlight the responsibility of mature believers to make good use of their knowledge for the benefit of others, especially weaker Christians.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says…

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Galatians 5:13-14 NIV

This scripture encourages us to exercise our Christian liberty with care, serving others in love instead of focusing solely on our personal freedom. The love of Christ is shown in the compassion we show weaker Christians, avoiding questionable practices that might harm their faith. This is a foundational principle of Christian behavior, demonstrating selfless love that builds others up and strengthens the body of Christ.

The God of Love and the Heart of Man

The God of love knows the heart of man intimately. To be known by God is to live in a close relationship with Him, allowing His love to transform every area of our lives. Paul’s words remind us that our knowledge of God should lead to a love that reflects His character, a love that’s active, selfless, and focused on others.

In 1 John 4, we read…

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:7-8 NKJV

This passage emphasizes that a genuine relationship with God will always result in loving others, a defining characteristic of being known by Him. This love extends into our Christian community, guiding us to avoid actions that could harm a weaker brother and encouraging us to use our Christian freedom for God’s purpose. Our focus should always remain on honoring God and building up others in faith, reflecting His love in all we do.

God’s Hand is the Ultimate Guide

Throughout Paul’s discussion, one theme stands out… The hand of God guides us in every situation we face in life. His hand is the source of true knowledge, leading us toward selfless love and compassion. When we allow God’s hand to shape our choices, we’re directed to act in ways that honor Him and reflect His divine love.

In Psalm 32, God promises…

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.

Psalm 32:8 NKJV

This verse reminds us that God’s hand is a safe guide, directing us in every situation and helping us navigate moments of doubt or fear. The love of God is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, providing the wisdom to make choices that reflect His character no matter what comes our way. By trusting His hand, we’re equipped to help our weaker brethren grow in grace and faith, ensuring our Christian behavior aligns with His heart and strengthens the community of believers.

God Knows His Children

In 2 Timothy 2:19, Paul tells us…

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’

2 Timothy 2:19 NIV

This verse highlights the deep, personal connection God has with those who love Him and walk in obedience to His will. It reminds us that being known by God is not a result of our perfection but of His grace and our response to it. To be known by God means we belong to Him, secure in His unshakable foundation. This relationship calls us to live differently, turning away from sin and walking in righteousness as a reflection of His love. As His children, we are held in His care, guided by His hand, and empowered to live lives that honor Him.

Living as Someone Known by God

Is there anything better than the love of our Heavenly Father? God is love! And because He first loved us, we can love Him in return! When we love God, He promises to hold us close and never let us go.

To be known by God is the greatest privilege of the Christian life. It means living in a relationship with the One True God, whose love transforms us into the image of Christ. The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 8:3 remind us that the love of God should be the driving force behind all we do, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.

As you reflect on this 1 Corinthians 8:3 Devotional, keep in mind the key principle Paul teaches in this motivational verse, love builds up. Use your knowledge of God not as a source of pride but as a way to encourage and support others, especially weaker Christians.

Let the love of Christ guide your actions and decisions, ensuring that you don’t become a stumbling block to other believers. In every part of your Christian life, strive to demonstrate the selfless love of God. Cherish the privilege of being known by God, knowing that through His love, you’ll find joy, peace, and help for your spiritual journey ahead. And trust in the hand of God to lead you in living a life that honors Him and inspires others to draw closer to His heart.

May your life always radiate the love of God and the joy of being known by Him!