How can we apply "for the sake of the one who informed" today? Understanding the Context “‘If an unbeliever invites you and you want to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to an idol,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you and for the sake of conscience.’” (1 Corinthians 10:27-28) Paul addresses believers who have liberty to eat meat sold in the marketplace, even if it had once been offered to idols (v. 25-26). Yet liberty is voluntarily limited whenever another person’s conscience—especially an unbeliever’s—is at stake. What “for the sake of the one who informed” Means • A person points out the food’s idolatrous origin because it matters to him. • By declining to eat, the believer signals: – “I will not endorse idolatry.” – “Your concerns matter more to me than my personal freedom.” • The goal is the other person’s spiritual good, not the believer’s convenience. Timeless Principle: Love Guards Another’s Conscience • Freedom is genuine, but love reigns higher (Galatians 5:13). • Actions that are lawful may still become stumbling blocks (1 Corinthians 8:9). • “Let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19). Practical Ways to Apply This Today • Social Events – If a friend says, “I don’t drink because of past struggles,” refrain from alcohol for that occasion. – At a dinner where someone flags certain food as religiously sensitive, choose an alternative dish. • Workplace Gatherings – Skip entertainment venues a coworker associates with immorality when he voices discomfort. – Decline to forward a questionable meme when a colleague hints it offends her convictions. • Family Dynamics – Adjust entertainment choices when a visiting relative objects to certain content. – Moderate holiday customs if a new believer in the family links them with prior occult involvement. • Online Presence – Avoid posting activities that could confuse less-mature believers about what is permissible (Romans 14:22). – Use disclaimers or private settings when sharing liberty-related topics, so others are not misled. Guidelines for Choosing Love over Liberty 1. Listen carefully when someone raises a conscience concern. 2. Evaluate whether your participation could be misread as endorsing sin (Ephesians 5:10-11). 3. Willingly forego the activity—temporarily or permanently—so their spiritual welfare is protected (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 4. Keep your attitude joyful; self-denial done in love glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 5. Remember: you are modeling the gospel, demonstrating that Christ, not personal rights, is supreme (Philippians 2:3-4). Encouragement to Live It Out Choosing restraint “for the sake of the one who informed” transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for witness. Each time love overrides liberty, the message rings clear: Christ’s servants prize people over preferences, consciences over conveniences, and eternal outcomes over temporary enjoyments. |
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