Topical Bible: Conscience of Others, not to be offended

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of not offending the conscience of others is a significant theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This principle emphasizes the importance of exercising Christian liberty with sensitivity and love towards fellow believers, ensuring that one's actions do not become a stumbling block to others in their faith journey.

Biblical Foundation

1. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13: In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols. He acknowledges that while idols have no real existence and eating such food is not inherently sinful, the knowledge of this truth should not lead to actions that might cause a weaker brother to stumble. Paul writes, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9). He further explains that if food causes his brother to fall into sin, he would rather abstain from eating meat altogether to avoid offending the conscience of another believer.

2. Romans 14:13-21: Paul expands on this theme by urging believers to avoid passing judgment on one another and to make every effort not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in a brother's way. He states, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). The emphasis is on pursuing actions that build up the community of faith rather than causing division or distress.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33: Here, Paul reiterates the principle of seeking the good of others over personal freedom. He writes, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is edifying" (1 Corinthians 10:23). The focus is on doing all things for the glory of God and not causing offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church of God.

Theological Implications

The principle of not offending the conscience of others is rooted in the Christian call to love and serve one another. It reflects the understanding that Christian freedom is not an end in itself but is to be exercised in the context of community and mutual edification. The believer is called to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others, demonstrating love and consideration in all actions.

Practical Application

In practical terms, this principle calls for discernment and sensitivity in areas where Scripture does not provide explicit commands. Believers are encouraged to consider the impact of their actions on others, especially those who may be weaker in faith or new to the Christian walk. This may involve refraining from certain liberties for the sake of another's conscience, thereby fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on not offending the conscience of others underscores the importance of love, humility, and self-restraint in the exercise of Christian freedom. It challenges believers to live in a way that honors God and edifies the community, reflecting the self-giving love of Christ in all interactions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 14:21
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 10:28-32
But if any man say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. xi. 1
... case and leaving it to their own conscience alone, and ... comparison of the several
statements, producing not only our ... but also what is stated by others; we must ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvi matt xi 1.htm

The Tenth Chapter: do not Lightly Forego Holy Communion
... Do not remain away from Holy Communion because of a ... to confession and willingly forgive
all others their offenses ... who so lives, and keeps his conscience so pure ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the tenth chapter do not.htm

That Holy Communion is not Lightly to be Omitted
... of some little vexation or trouble do not thou neglect ... liveth, and in such purity
of conscience keepeth himself ... and might be done without the notice of others. ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x that holy communion.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... chastened, then do thou unfold thine own conscience; reckon up ... make reckless utterances,
since they do not look on their own case before that of others, but we ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

Appendix ii. The Order of the Communion
... And amonges all others, I am commanded of God ... ghostly counsel, advice, and comfort,
that his conscience may be ... be satisfied with a general Confession not to be ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix ii the order of.htm

Three Good Reasons for Abstaining from Certain Kinds of Food.
... mentioned, of which it is said, "Make not provision for ... excess in these things than
in others, or lest a ... is unclean except from an evil conscience, and holding ...
/.../chapter 14 name good reasons.htm

God's Word not to be Refused
... may, by God's Spirit, work upon your hearts and conscience. ... shocked at, but don't
fall into the others. Do not especially fall into that indifference which has ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/gods word not to be.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... affections, by saying, "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure
heart, and a good conscience, and faith ... Are there not many others who give ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

The Pharisee and Publican
... of all that I:possess:" I make conscience of giving ... himself, that he was righteous,
or to despise others. ... Were not the Pharisees, do you think, highly offended ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the pharisee and publican.htm

Letter Lxxiii. (AD 404. )
... sins which may have been committed by others within their ... a secret enemy, even though
it be not revealed by ... how, by the comfort of a good conscience, you bear ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxiii a d 404.htm