HIGHLIGHT
1 Corinthians 10:31–33 (ESV): 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
EXPLAIN
In this chapter Paul gave a stern warning against idolatry. He warned the Christians they could not participate in the pagan sacrifices that were so much part of daily life and business.
But then Paul instructed them not to worry about where the meat they bought in the marketplace came from. Nor should they ask questions when they went to eat with someone. But if someone else were to raise questions, they should not act to violate that person’s conscience.
The guiding principle is simply to glorify God. In so doing, they should not do anything to offend others.
APPLY
Today, in contrast, we often assert our independence and freedom over the rights and concerns of others. Instead of being concerned for the conscience of other Christians, we insist on our way. Instead of valuing a blameless testimony before the world, we insist on our way.
How might our testimony go forward if we were more concerned about not giving offense to anyone?
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, please help me to live in the freedom you have given me, but may I not use that freedom to be offensive to others. May I be a conduit of your love, even if that means I must give up my rights to reach others for you. Amen.