True freedom

But not everyone knows this truth. Some people have been so used to idols that to this day when they eat such food they still think of it as food that belongs to an idol; their conscience is weak, and they feel they are defiled by the food. Food, however, will not improve our relationship with God; we shall not lose anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do eat.

Be careful, however, not to let your freedom of action make those who are weak in the faith fall into sin. (verses 7-9)

Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

This is a very important passage. Christians have wonderful freedom in Christ, which liberates them from legalism and sets them free to serve God unfettered by burdens imposed by others. But this freedom, when it’s misused, leads to tension and heartache in the church.

Christians who know what Christian freedom means know that true freedom does not burden others. They will not willingly hurt others by ‘exercising their Christian freedom’. Rather, even if what they are doing is an expression of freedom, if it leads someone with weaker faith to doubt, or tempts someone to sin, they will not exercise their freedom.

One problem, however, is when we who are strong in faith use this passage as a way to stop people acting in ways we don’t approve of. We censure them in meetings or even threaten to leave our church if particular things don’t stop or are gone ahead with. Paul urges us always to act in love, so that all Christians can truly be free together.

Father, may my motivation always be love for you and love for my fellow Christians, for in such Jove I am truly free. Amen

by Bob Turnbull, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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