Causing a Brother to Stumble

In 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. Some of the believers in Corinth were of the opinion that it didn't matter what they ate, because they knew that there was only one true God, and that idols were not real. But others were more scrupulous, and believed that it was wrong to eat such food, because it might be seen as a form of worship to the idols.

Paul's response is that, in principle, it is true that idols are nothing, and that it is only God who is real and worthy of worship. But he also says that we need to be mindful of the conscience of others, and not cause them to stumble or be offended. He writes: 

"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble" (1 Corinthians 8:13).

In other words, Paul is saying that our freedom in Christ should not be used as an excuse to harm or cause others to stumble. Instead, we should be willing to set aside our own preferences and rights, in order to love and serve others. This is the essence of the gospel, which is not just about what we believe, but also about how we live.

Furthermore, Paul reminds us that our rights and freedoms are not absolute, but are to be used for the common good. He writes: 

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more" (1 Corinthians 9:19).

This means that, as followers of Christ, we are called to serve others, not just ourselves. We are called to be like Jesus, who, though he was God, became a servant and gave his life for us on the cross. This is the example we are to follow, as we seek to live out our faith in the world.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 remind us that our freedom in Christ is not an excuse for selfishness, but rather an opportunity for selfless service. Let us therefore use our rights and freedoms wisely, for the sake of others, and for the glory of God. Amen.