1 Corinthians 10:29–30: “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?
A knowledgeable Christian did not need to alter his convictions to accord with the conscience of a weaker brother (1 Cor. 10:29b), but he did need to alter his behavior when in the weaker brother’s presence. Otherwise the weak brother might act against his conscience and harm himself (cf. 8:11), which would bring denunciation on the strong brother. What the knowledgeable Christian could enjoy privately with thankfulness became in the presence of the weaker brother a contemptible act eliciting condemnation (why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?) 1
Application
- Read Romans 14:14-19. What is the Kingdom of God really about?
- How can your “joy in the Spirit” become the uniting factor in some of your more challenging relationships?
Thought to Share
The joy of His Spirit can change your outlook forever. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, fill me with the overflowing love of Your Spirit everyday.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.