In this chapter of 1 Corinthians, we can read that some of the members in the Corinthian church eat food offered to idols. Although their argument would be that our Lord Jesus is the only God in this world and hence food offered to idols are tantamount to ordinary food, their actions have caused other brothers who may not know that idols are not real gods to think that idolatry is acceptable. Hence, their conscience being weak, becomes defiled.

Giving up our rights for the sake of a weak brother.

“And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?”

Today, there are many things or activities we can do in life without the bible explicitly stating if they can or cannot be done. However, in order not to become a stumbling block to those with weaker faith, we should consider how our actions may indirectly affect others around us, who may consider this unacceptable in the faith. For instance, the action of visiting nightclubs is not directly prohibited in the bible, and neither is the act of wearing informally (bermudas, etc.) to church.

We should thus consider further if these actions glorify God, and if doing them then unconsciously causes another brother / sister with a weak conscience to be inclined to do the same subsequently. Therefore, we would need to be especially careful of the ripple effects that our actions have, whether its on ourselves or on others - even more so for larger matters or traditions that may involve paganistic origins. When we cause another brother / sister to do unrighteous things against God, we are not just sinning against that person, but also to God (1 Cor 8:12).

While this reminds us to take into account how our actions may impact someone else’s, it is also pertinent to remember how our actions are pleasing towards our God. At the end of the day, we are striving to be well-acknowledged by God.

What are some rights you have decided to give up for the sake of someone else? What are some rights you have decided to give up to lead a life well-pleasing to God?

Love edifies.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”

What then, should motivate us to avoid being a stumbling block to weaker brothers / sisters? That is, the Lord Jesus’s command to act of our love for our weaker brother / sister.

While knowledge may make a person more prideful because of the wealth of information they are made known to, acting of our love for those around us by being considerate towards them can help them to grow in faith and righteousness towards God. Knowledge is crucial because it helps us to understand God’s truth and grow with Him, but Paul reminds us that together with knowledge, the love for others is also needed. When we love others, we will take note not to be a stumbling block to them.

If we are indeed knowledgeable, but do not fear God’s commandments or care for our brothers / sisters enough to consider how our actions may implicate others’ faith, we will be ignorant in God’s eyes.

Let us remember not to lean purely on our knowledge to make decisions or do things but rely on God whole-heartedly to guide our paths. We can always pray for wisdom, and God will gladly give it to us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)