All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Co 10:23–1 Co 11:1).
We will delve into Paul's final reflections on meats sacrificed to idols. In our previous discussion, we explored Paul's perspective on the legality versus the edification of actions, emphasizing that while all things may be lawful, not all are beneficial or constructive. It's crucial to note that when Paul speaks of "all things being lawful for me," he isn't referring to adherence to Mosaic law. He clarifies that actions like murder, theft, or adultery are not within this realm of permissibility.
Paul's discourse on the permissibility of actions specifically pertains to consuming meat sacrificed to idols. He suggests that if someone eats meat offered to an idol, recognizing that the idol holds no real power and that all things come from the one true God, they can do so with a clear conscience. Essentially, for those who understand the supremacy of Jesus Christ, partaking in such meat poses no moral dilemma.
However, Paul underscores that freedom must be balanced with love. While one may have the liberty to eat according to their conscience, they should consider the impact on others, particularly those with weaker consciences who may be distressed by witnessing such behavior. Paul distinguishes between consuming such meat and engaging in actual idolatry, cautioning against any form of idol worship.
Moving forward, Paul advises that if you encounter meat in the marketplace that has been offered to idols, it's permissible to purchase it, bless it, and prepare it for consumption. However, if someone alerts you to its sacrificial origins out of concern for their conscience, Paul advises refraining from eating it for the sake of that person's sensitivity.
Paul stresses the importance of balancing personal freedoms with considerations for the well-being of fellow believers, advocating for a stance of love and sensitivity in matters of conscience and religious practice.
Today, the principle remains consistent: our decisions should always stem from love. The overarching message of the New Testament revolves around love, a theme intricately woven throughout the Epistle to the Corinthians, reaching its pinnacle in chapter 13.
In verses 29 and 30, Paul poses questions that resonate with us today. We might rephrase them thus: Why should my freedom be judged by someone else's conscience? If I partake with gratitude, why am I condemned for the food I bless? These dilemmas arise when group norms clash with individual conscience, unrelated to biblical sin but rather to community-defined "sins." We've encountered churches where membership entailed abstaining from activities like movies, smoking, or alcohol, diverging from biblical sin definitions.
The Bible does not explicitly label activities like movie-going, smoking, or alcohol consumption as sins. However, some Christian groups deem them sinful, risking eternal consequences for indulgence. Even within such contexts, individuals may rightfully question the imposition of others' consciences on their freedom.
Paul identifies those with weaker consciences, unable to partake in certain actions without discomfort. In today's context, this could manifest in issues like alcohol consumption. Regardless of the reasons behind one's conscience, Paul highlights the struggle of those with weaker consciences.
However, this doesn't apply to actual sin. The Bible defines sin as transgressions of the law, knowingly failing to do good, or actions not done in faith.
The crux of the matter lies in the conflict of believers' consciences, with one deeming something sinful while another does not. Love for others supersedes personal liberty, a truth we've grappled with over decades in the church.
Love indeed outweighs personal freedoms, yet there's a delicate balance. While we shouldn't be swayed solely by others' opinions, love dictates considering the collective conscience of our fellowship. In the past, we briefly fellowshipped with a group that emphasized women wearing head coverings, a practice unfamiliar to us. Though it wasn't a conviction for us, we refused to conform to their collective conscience.
During this time, a visiting minister enlightened us on the group's importance in this practice. Despite our freedom, adhering to it became an act of love for the collective conscience of our fellowship. Ultimately, love guides us in navigating the tension between individual liberty and communal conscience within our daily interactions and fellowships.