1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.
yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
It was hard in Corinth to make a clean break with paganism. Trade groups and clubs held their social functions at the temples. Most of the meat sold in the ships had first been offered in sacrifice.
Some Christians maintain that since other gods do not really exist they are free to eat meat and attend club dinners. But others are worried. Freedom is right, says Paul. But no one should exercise personal freedom at the expense of another person's conscience. Love is more important than knowledge.
The issue is not so much the food as where it is eaten. It is never right - not even on social occasions - to eat at the table of demons in a pagan temple.
Why?
Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
About food sacrificed to idols, so Christian has the freedom to eat, but for freedom may cause my brother or sister to fall into sin, I would rather do not eat that meat again, for I will cause them to fall. This is love for others.
Our behavior may influence others around so we have to care about what I am doing, or talking about.
How?
Knowledge puffs up while love builds up, so don't think about knowledge could put me up but only love may build up others.
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