1 Corinthians 8:9-13
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Being set free from sin’s penalty of God’s wrath does not make us free to cause others to stumble. Here it is the freedom to eat any food, but not when others see it was for idolatrous use by some. Just because we have knowledge of freedom does not negate our duty to love others and be sensitive until they see that same freedom. As we mature in Christ, some things we are offended by become non-essentials. What is essential is love that does no harm to a neighbor. We must control our liberty out of concern for our brothers, not wounding their consciences. Let all things be done in Christ’s love.
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