1 Corinthians 8:13
“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
Dwell:
Paul’s primary message to the church in Corinth is clear: love and consideration for your fellow believers should always take precedence over exercising your own Christian freedoms. The New Testament consistently affirms that Christ has “set you free.” Am I suggesting otherwise? Absolutely not. In fact, it is precisely this freedom, received through faith in Christ, that empowers you to willingly lay down your rights for the benefit of others.
In this particular context, Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols. However, in our context, this principle may manifest differently. It is worth reflecting on areas in your life where you might set aside your Christian freedoms for the benefit of those around you. Consider situations where prioritizing the well-being of others over exercising your rights can foster love and unity within your community.
Thought:
“We do need to guard against making absolutes out of personal standards that are not specified in Scripture, or assuming that others are sinning if they don’t adopt our standards about issues that may not be traps for them. But why are we so prone to defend choices that take us right to the edge of sin, and so reluctant to make radical choices to protect our hearts and minds from sin?” - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Prayer:
Lord, when I reflect on my Christian freedom and my love for my brothers and sisters in Christ, my chief aim is to adopt an outward posture towards those around me. Rather than focusing on my own freedoms, help me to consider the needs of others and do whatever it takes for the Gospel to take root in their hearts and for them to grow as followers of Christ.
In Christ’s name, amen.