QT 3/28/2025 1 Cor 10:23-11:1, Be willing to give up your rights for others

1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 (ESV) —

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

 

NOTE: The statements "Why should my liberty be determined by another's conscience? … why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?" are meant to provoke thought. While our freedom should not be limited by another's conscience, it should indeed be guided by love for others. This means that sometimes, we must be willing to give up our freedoms for the sake of others. This concept can be challenging, especially in America, a nation founded by individuals who resisted having their freedoms restricted and took risks to settle in a new land. However, the Christian response calls for sacrificing personal freedom out of love for others. Our liberty does not outweigh another believer's conscience if we aim to practice love. Ultimately, there are values more important than liberty, such as our witness, which is demonstrated through our love for others.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I demand my rights?
2. Am I more interested in my rights than another's?

 

PRAYER: Father, this is not easy. We are selfish and narcissistic, focusing only on ourselves. Open our eyes to see truth and how our actions violate the spirit of the law of Grace.