In 1 Corinthians
8-9 Paul plays a very careful balancing game. In its simplest terms he is
balancing freedom against love. In Christ we are truly free, yet freedom is
always constrained by love—love for God and love for our neighbor.
The issue
at hand is eating meat that was purchased from an idol temple having first been
part of the sacrifices of that temple. (This was perhaps the most common source
of fresh meat in Gentile cities.) On the one hand, there are those who say, “There
is only one God; a demon is nothing; eating the meat is fine.” And Paul agrees!
On the other hand, are those who are really hung up that one shouldn’t have
anything to do with idolatry. Here Paul tells the first party, “Curtail your
freedom so you don’t hurt your brother, who isn’t as mature as you on this
issue.”
It’s a
little like rock music. I’ve never been a big fan of contemporary Christian
music, but I do love classic rock, blues rock, even some grunge. I know the
message is wrong, but I’m mature enough to discern that. However, when someone
comes into my office, I turn that stuff off. Why? Because I don’t want them to
be offended. Love constrains freedom.
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