Daily Devotion in I Corinthians 8
In I Corinthians 8, Paul dealt with another problem those in the Corinthian church were facing. At the time, there was much idolatry occurring in the area. Food, including meat, was given to the “gods.” As part of the worship, many ate the meat. Some Christians got very upset if any child of God consumed the offering. There was much contention in the church over the matter.
The preacher knew there were no other “gods,” so it did not bother him to eat meat given to a non-existent deity. He saw, however, how many were offended over this practice. His recommendation in this situation was a wise suggestion.
It would be terrible if a person got discouraged and distraught after seeing a Christian eat meat given to idols. Some may have gotten so upset that they may have left the church or been affected by it spiritually. In such a case, the weaker Christian would have been wrong, but what would be the value in purposely wounding such a Christian? The pastor concluded that he simply would not partake of the food rather than offend another (I Corinthians 8:13).
Some would argue, show Scripture, and come up with a reason it was permissible for them to eat the meat. What good would the knowledge of being right weigh against damaging one that stopped growing in the Lord?
It makes little sense to justify an action with head knowledge in such a situation. It would be wiser to address the problem with a bit of heart action — love (I Corinthians 8:1). A little kindness and understanding often do more good than being right.
Many things may not convict us when doing them, even today. Another, however, may be offended by our doing it. As we are all Christians and part of God's family, sometimes it is better to bury our pride rather than do something that we know will hurt others' feelings. We need to get along with our other “family members” whenever possible.
Today’s Thought:
“Christian liberty is not a license to offend.”
Words to Understand:
Commendeth: makes worthy
Edifieth: educates; makes one more spiritual;
Emboldened: gives courage; makes one more bold
Puffeth up: encouraged by one’s pride
Stumblingblock: a mental roadblock
Today’s Reading:
I Corinthians 8
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 ¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 ¶ Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
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