My brother’s keeper

Hello everyone,

How are you doing? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Now food [itself] will not cause our acceptance by God nor commend us to Him. Eating [food offered to idols] gives us no advantage; neither do we come short or become any worse if we do not eat [it]. Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].” 1 Corinthians 8v8-9 (AMP)

Sometime back, we were discussing in church the issue of dressing. And one point that came out is that we need to consider others in what we wear, even if we think it is just fine, but we should be mindful that it doesn’t give others an occasion to sin. The same point is what Paul is raising here. He had established that idols in themselves are nothing, and whether you eat the food sacrificed to them or not, there is no advantage. However, he also mentioned that not everyone has this knowledge, and if you who have the knowledge is seen eating this food by someone who doesn’t have this knowledge, you might become a stumbling block for them. He says, don’t let your power of choice, be a stumbling block to your brother. As Romans 14v14-16 below show, as believers, to some extent, we walk in the light of what we know, that is why it is good to grow in the knowledge of God, and in His peace. So you know what is accepted by Him and what is not, for as long as you view something as unclean, then it is unclean. Moreover, we also have to walk in love. If you are doing something, and it is hurting your brother, then you should refrain from doing it for his sake. Do not allow your conduct to cause someone else to fall.

Supplementary Text

“I know and am convinced (persuaded) as one in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is [forbidden as] essentially unclean (defiled and unholy in itself). But [none the less] it is unclean (defiled and unholy) to anyone who thinks it is unclean. But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died! Do not therefore let what seems good to you be considered an evil thing [by someone else]. [In other words, do not give occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you.]” Romans 14v14-16 (AMP)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word. We bless You. Father, we pray for a deep understanding of these truths concerning our conduct towards others, and as well a deep understanding of who You are and Your ways in Jesus name, amen.