“Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1
Corinthians 8:1)
How do you make decisions about your
actions? That is Paul’s question in this
passage. Do you make your decision
solely on the basis of what you know is your right, or do you make your decision
taking by into account how your actions will affect the people around you?
The Corinthians had the right to eat food
that had been sacrificed to idols. The
idol was nothing and food sacrificed to it was not defiled. However, not everyone understood that and
some would be offended, perhaps even caused to stumble back into idol worship
if they saw a fellow Christian eating such food.
Paul had two points:
Eating the food or not eating the food would
not affect a person’s relationship with God.
They didn’t have to give up eating the food in order to please God or
grow in their faith – “But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse
if we do not eat, and no better if we do.” (1 Corinthians 8:8)
Their actions should be governed by how they
will affect those around them -- governed by love. “Be careful, however, that the exercise of
your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)
The specific issue is no longer one that we
face -- food sacrificed to idols is not something we deal with in our
culture. But the principle remains
valid: are you so concerned about your
“rights” that you do things that hurt others?
His, by Grace,
Steve
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