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Writer's pictureBible Brian

When it is loving to forfeit liberty


The most difficult thing about Christian Liberty is that, sometimes, the most loving thing to do is to behave as if we do not have it. Paul addresses this very well in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. He begins by telling us that, while everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial, nor does everything build up. In other words, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.


First, we have the natural consequences. It turns out, you really can have too much of a good thing. Too much food makes you fat, too much drink damages your liver and your brain, too many holidays makes you poor. If you overindulge in anything just because you are able to morally justify it, you very well might suffer natural consequences. So, as Paul says, "all is permissible, but not all is beneficial".


But second, and more importantly, we have other peoples' consciences. Just because you know all is permissible doesn't mean everyone else does. And so Paul tells us clearly that, because everything on Earth is the Lord's, you can eat anything sold in a marketplace. And if an unbeliever invites you to their house for food, you can eat everything they offer you. Side note: Though not specifically addressed, there are some Asian cultures in which cleaning your plate is seen as rude, almost like telling the host "you didn't feed me enough", and so in these cases, I would say this same principle tells us don't eat everything they offer you.


But then Paul continues to say that if someone tells you "this is food offered to an idol", you shouldn't eat it. It is permissible for you, since food offered to an idol is still food. But the person who told you it is offered to an idol will be offended because of this. Therefore, you should not eat it for conscience' sake. Not for your conscience, but for theirs. And so Paul concludes that we should give no offence to anyone, be they Jew, Gentile, or Christian. If possible, keep everyone happy, hoping they may be saved. All of this is to be done not for your own pleasure, but for the glory of God. Christian Liberty, far from being an excuse to live your life without rules, is in fact an opportunity to show real love, just as God designed us for.

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