A Word from 1 Corinthians 8

Depending on how long you’ve been alive (and how long you’ve been following Jesus), you’re probably aware that we Christians have often struggled to figure out what’s acceptable (and what’s not) when it comes to various “worldly activities.” In the past, we’ve debated questions like, “Is it okay for Christians to dance or go to movies? Can you mow the lawn on a Sunday or go swimming in a pool where both men and women are present?” And even today, we caught up in debates about the use or avoidance of drinking, and social media, and so much more.

Looking back, of course, we might think some of the debates believers have engaged in are silly. And future generations will probably think the same of our disagreements. But as today’s word from 1 Corinthians 8 reminds us: Maybe the issue is less about where we draw the lines of acceptable behavior and more about how much we love others.

In ancient Corinth, Paul had to address the issue of whether it was okay for believers to eat meat sacrificed to idols. And some thought you could, and some thought you couldn’t, and everybody figured that they knew what God wanted. But Paul said this: “We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” (8:1-3)

For Paul, you see, where we come down on questions about what’s acceptable doesn’t matter as much as whether we treat each other in a loving way. And in fact, he goes on to say that if we use our sense of Christian freedom in a way that makes somebody else stumble, “When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.” (8:12)

Naturally, you may or may not find yourself debating appropriate Christian behavior today. But today and every day, let’s try to make sure that all our behavior is motivated by love for others – and that nothing we do causes anyone to stumble. Amen.