What other scriptures emphasize sensitivity to others' spiritual weaknesses? Setting the Stage: Conscience Issues in Corinth (1 Corinthians 8:7) “However, not everyone has this knowledge. Some are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they regard it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.” Scriptures That Echo the Call to Sensitivity Romans 14 — Respecting Differing Convictions • 14:1 “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.” • 14:13 “Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” • 14:15 “If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.” • 14:21 “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” 1 Corinthians 10 — Liberty Governed by Love • 10:23-24 “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial… No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.” • 10:32 “Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God.” “We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness… Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” “And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” “Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.” “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Threads That Tie These Passages Together • Love is the controlling principle; knowledge without love wounds. • The strong are repeatedly told to adjust to the weak, not the other way around. • Causing another believer to stumble is treated as a grave offense. • True Christian freedom gladly embraces voluntary restraint. • Humility, patience, and gentleness are essential for unity when consciences differ. Practical Takeaways • Before exercising a freedom, ask, “Will this edify my brother or trip him up?” • Be mindful of believers recently delivered from certain sins; their conscience may still be tender. • Discuss disputable matters gently, allowing time for spiritual growth. • Favor choices that promote peace and mutual upbuilding over personal preference. • Remember, bearing with the weak is Christlike service: “For even Christ did not please Himself” (Romans 15:3). |
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