This is talking about meat sacrificed to idols. You are free in Christ Jesus. You can choose what food you eat and how to respond to your health needs.
But here, we must remember that we live among people. Therefore, the decisions we make or how we live inevitably affect them.
Devotional for Today February 12
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:13)
Feel Responsible for other Believers
Therefore, let your freedom as a Christian be your responsibility. Feel responsible for your brother. This is what the apostle Paul says in Corinthians 8:7-13, which we read today in the daily devotional.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Meat Sacrificed to Idols
As an example, consider the issue in the Corinthian Christian community of how to deal with the eating of meat sacrificed to idols.
Paul gives a 3-part answer:
- There are no gods. There is only one God. Therefore, all pagan rituals and meat sacrifices to non-existent gods are empty places. These people are living in self-deception. Thus, meat sacrificed to such idols does not change anything. It remains just meat.
- You can safely eat such meat. Why? Because you are free in Christ. No food, not even food sacrificed to idols, affects you. You are free from the ideology of idol worship. You are dependent only on the True Living God. Therefore, it is not a sin to eat such meat. This principle applies not only to food but also to material things. But if you feel uncomfortable touching such things, then abstain for inner peace.
- Feel responsible for other believers. It may be that other brothers of your faith do not have this understanding of freedom. Your behavior as a free person in Christ may offend them. They are not yet mature in their faith, and every little thing can cause Christian ideals to crumble. Therefore, as the Apostle Paul advises, for the sake of love for the little ones, act at the right moment, so you do not disappoint them.
Try to make them understand the principle of Christian freedom.
Do not abuse your Freedom
The Apostle Paul warns us that we can quickly slip up when we promote our freedom and rights. Therefore, every Christian must learn inner discipline if they are to live in the space of Christ. Otherwise, freedom can turn into debauchery and licentiousness.
Prayer for Today
I worship You, my Lord Jesus. You are my Savior and Teacher. Thank You for freeing me from the power of sin and giving me the freedom of God’s children. Thank You for giving me the Word of God that teaches and shows me the way.
Please help me successfully use the knowledge I gain from studying God’s Word. Help me to use the freedom of God’s children responsibly.
Give me the divine love that will help me see the need of my brothers and sisters in the faith to know the truth and the principles of Christian living. Help me to find love in difficult situations so that I may respond to the need and witness to You. You live and reign forever. Amen.
Also read: Devotional for February 11
