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 said meat with their earlier pagan worship rituals), the problem is very real. Paul says those who don't see a problem 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 consider carefully whether or not it's worth it to assert my rights. Perhaps it would be better, in that instance, to honor someone else by setting my rights aside.
Is standing up for your rights hurting someone else?
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