Balancing Freedom and Conscience in 1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8 discusses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. This is a continuation of the questions that the Corinthians church asked Paul. This chapter touches upon exercising the freedom as a believer balanced with conscience and consideration for fellow believers.  

1 Corinthians 8 can be read in its entirety here

The people within the Corinthian church were concerned whether they could consume the meat sacrificed to idols. In the culture then, animals were offered to false gods and the temples would often sell cuts of meat that were offered to the various pagan gods and some commentaries note that this meat was often some of the best in town. Some said the meat was unclean as it was offered to idols whereas others said that those gods do not exist, we know the one true living God and therefor eating meat offered to them means nothing and so we are free to eat it.

The issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols feels foreign to us, but the key point Paul is addressing through this is things that what may be freedoms for some, are off limits for others because it either pulls on the connection it has with their old life and things that used to be struggles or it can cause someone else to stumble and sin. 

For matters that fall under doubtful or disputable, that is those that are not specifically and directly addressed in scripture can drive people to hold very opposing viewpoints. We as believers have our God given conscience but also have the Spirit in us that either nudges us away from or towards certain things.

Scripture has given us certain guidelines to navigate these grey areas, to think – is it helpful/beneficial for me (1 Cor 6:12), is it going to consume or control me (1 Cor 6:12), to weight what I know (knowledge) vs how it affects my witness (1 Cor 10:31-33), does it edify others (1 Cor 8:9-10,Rom 14:19-21).

Paul says in verse 1 “We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” Paul argues that while Christians may possess knowledge that idols are nothing, they should not flaunt this knowledge if it causes others, particularly those with weaker consciences, to stumble and sin.

Paul urges the believers to be mindful of the impact their actions have on others and being willing to restrict their own freedoms for the sake of their brothers and sisters in Christ. To think and act not only from the viewpoint of knowledge but love for others be the guiding principle.

Scripture puts a heavy emphasis on being considerate of others when it comes to liberties because as Christians what we say and do has an impact on others. We are either directly or indirectly witnessing, leading, encouraging or hindering.

Lord, may we be cautious in how we use the freedom we have in you that ensures that we safeguard our hearts and minds so that we remain secure in your way, honouring you and not causing another to stumble. Amen.

God Bless.