Freedom Has Limits

Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.  – 1 Corinthians 8:1

There were some in the church community of Corinth who readily accepted the fact that the God that Paul spoke of, the One in whom they believed, was the true God. They knew the idols they had formerly worshipped were nothing and any offering brought to worship the pagan gods was just meat. However, some of the Corinthian Christians were sensitized to the pagan worship; they remembered that the meat was offered not only to honor the gods but to cleanse the meat from demonic contamination, so to them eating it seemed sinful. 

The more mature Christians claimed liberty in their knowledge of what God required of them. While the knowledge was essential, it was not enough. They needed to be merciful rather than superior and uncaring for their fellow believers. They needed to focus less on their liberty and more on the spiritual welfare of ones less secure in their faith. Freedom has limits when you love those around you.  

“Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9). Though you are knowledgeable in God’s Word, have patience with those who are not. Do not become irritable with fellow believers, or with those with whom you associate, including family members. Let love temper all your actions and responses. 

Intercede now for those in government to have humility toward others instead of being arrogant in the belief that their way is the best. Pray they come to know the Lord as Savior so they can receive and share the love of God. Pray that their attitudes will be ones that edify rather than tear down.