…We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
—1 Corinthians 8:1, NIV
Some people are quick to say, “I don’t see anything wrong with it.”
I’m more likely to explain why something could be wrong—or where it might lead.
When I think about drinking, I think about the possibility of addiction and the hurt it can bring to a family. When I think about sexually oriented entertainment, I think about how what we watch can feed desires that draw us away from God.
I want to protect people. But even a desire to protect needs to be guided by love and humility.
In 1 Corinthians 8, Christians were disagreeing about eating food that had been offered to idols. Some understood that an idol wasn’t a real god. To them, the meat was simply food.
But others had once worshiped those idols. Eating that food still felt connected to the worship they had left behind. Following another Christian’s example could encourage them to do something they believed was sinful.
Paul told the believers who felt free to eat to consider how their example affected those whose consciences were troubled. Their freedom should never become a reason for someone else to stumble.
His words also invite all of us to examine how we use what we know.
Knowledge can make us feel superior. Love makes us consider the person.
For someone else, that might mean giving up a freedom for another believer’s sake. For me, it might mean slowing down before explaining all the reasons I believe a choice is dangerous.
Have I listened to this person? Do I understand their struggle? Am I sharing a concern gently, or making them feel small because they don’t see things as I do?
There are times when love requires a clear warning. We should take drunkenness, lust, and other sins seriously. But we also need to distinguish between what Scripture clearly calls sin and a personal boundary we have established to help us remain faithful.
Something may be a wise boundary for me without becoming a rule I must impose on everyone.
I can explain why I avoid something without assuming everyone who chooses differently will follow the worst possible path. I can respect someone’s conscience while continuing to grow in my own understanding.
And when someone is vulnerable to a particular temptation, love calls me to take that seriously. I should never pressure them to ignore their convictions or prove they can handle something.
Love asks, “How can I help this person stay close to Jesus?”
That question changes both our choices and our conversations.
The person beside me is someone Jesus died for. I want my example—and my words—to reflect how precious they are to Him.
A Heart Question
When I share a concern, am I making room to listen, speaking with humility, and helping the other person follow Jesus?
Prayer
Jesus, You know my desire to protect the people I love. Help me recognize when my concern becomes pressure or my knowledge becomes pride. Give me courage to speak when a warning is needed, patience to listen, and humility when we disagree. Guide my choices and my words so they strengthen others in their walk with You. Amen.
