Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights
does not become a stumbling block to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9).
What should I do when standing up for my rights hurts other
people? In yesterday’s text, Paul states we have the right to do anything, but
that some things aren’t good for us and other things, if indulged in, could
enslave us. In today’s reading, Paul gives us another assessment as to whether
or not a decision is wise.
Specifically Paul is writing about eating meat offered to
idols. Those whose faith is strong know that idols have no inherent power, and
for them meat offered to idols would not be considered guilty by association.
However, for those whose faith is weak – those who still associate meat with
pagan worship rituals – the problem is very real. Paul says though some may not
see a problem, they have more to consider than just that. They have brothers
and sisters in Christ who would feel like they were betraying their Lord if
they were to eat that devil meat.
In Romans 12, Paul writes: Be devoted to one another in
love. Honor one another above yourselves (v. 10). This suggests that when
my rights clash with those of another, I should carefully consider whether or
not it’s worth asserting those rights. Perhaps it would be better, in that
instance, to set my rights aside and, in so doing, honor my brother or sister
in Christ.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
God knows how selfish we
can be at times. Ask his help to treat others the way you would want to be
treated. How will you honor others above yourself this week?
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