Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1 ESV)
While knowledge can be a wonderful thing, sometimes knowledge can make people prideful and overrule compassion and gentleness. In this passage, Paul is dealing with the theoretical issue of eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols. Paul agrees that eating such food does not make a Christian impure, but he encourages the Corinthians that they should be careful, in employing this freedom, not to blatantly trample on one another's consciences simply because they have the knowledge. Instead they ought to deal gently and patiently with their brothers who disagree and honor their faith by abstaining until such time as their conscience is clear.
Sometimes in the church there are endless discussions about issues which affect our life together. It is important for us, as God's people not to let our knowledge puff us up and scornfully look at others whose faith practices differ from ours. Instead we should discuss reverently and patiently, and honor one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
This does not mean that we compromise our belief, but rather that we not become self-righteous and prideful in standing up for the truth.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Fee free to add your comments!