Scripture

When you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. So, if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live – for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.

Observation

Paul now addresses what christians should do about meat sacrificed to idols. He points out that knowledge is less important than love.

We know that idols have no power, and are not really gods at all. But some people, particularly new believers, are used to thinking of idols as being real. They think of eating meat sacrificed to idols as being equal to idol worship.

Paul says that even if we have freedom of conscience to eat meat sacrificed to idols, we must be careful not to violate the consciences of other believers.

It would be better to never eat meat again then to cause another believer to stumble in their faith.

Application

Some people claim that we should not eat meat because it is all killed to meet the requirements of Muslims. They say that it is all prayed over by a cleric in order to be Sharia compliant.

This is the opposite problem to that described by Paul. The people with the advanced knowledge about spiritual things are saying we should not eat meat sacrificed to idols.

The principle remains the same, however. If my conscience says that it is acceptable to eat meat, then I will do so, but if a brother or sister is offended by this, then out of love for them, I will refrain from eating.

It is not my rights that are important. It is not my superior knowledge that matters. It is all about love. If you have a problem with anything sincerely in love for Christ, then I will accommodate your weakness.

Prayer

Lord, when our consciences collide with one another, please help us to see your wisdom, and to defer to one another in love. Amen.