1 Corinthians 8:9
“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are week.”
We must guard our liberty around weaker brothers in Christ. More important than the knowledge that I am free to partake in something, is the realization that my weaker brother may not be.
That beer or that movie could be just the issue he/she is struggling with. Many new Christians are hypersensitive about issues of conscience and the possibility of failing. They may feel that by having that beer or watching that movie their walk has been compromised, or their prayers won’t be heard.
Not only can a weak conscience become defiled but also it can be shocked or saddened, by observing our liberty. Paul says in this chapter, when we so wound a brother, we sin against Christ (v.12). It is better to abstain around weaker brothers than to partake and cause offense.
Forgive me Lord if my liberties have ever stumbled another. Amen.
The Truth
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (Romans 14:12-13)
