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1 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; 3 but anyone who loves God is known by him. 4 Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "no idol in the world really exists," and that "there is no God but one." 5 Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 "Food will not bring us close to God." We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? 11 So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. 12 But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:1-13 NRSV)
Happy Tuesday, to my ConCafe Family; Praying the blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you, dear Friend, during this day! We ask prayers for Ms. Mary Martha Ehrig, as she has undergone some medical exams and we ask prayers for her comfort and strength.
It is very interesting to read this awesome take of the Apostle Paul regarding knowledge and love; "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." It is an interesting question to ask a friend, "Would you rather go to a church where you learn a lot, or where you felt loved?" Several years ago in a major Texas city there was a preacher on television who seemed angry all the time. His sermons were solid with teaching, but the delivery was more of a rebuke or a tirade than a loving invitation from God. As much as I watched his sermons I rarely saw a smile. The man died and the family had a meeting to decide what to do with the church, for it was one of those family-owned businesses like some pastors do when starting a church. Of all the male children, it fell to one who was more comfortable behind the camera than to being in front of the camera, to be the new preacher. Though he claimed not to be a good preacher, soon the old building which had once been a feed store, was now too small to accomodate the crowds that were coming to their worship services. Many claimed they felt love in the worship services, and so the church grew and grew.
Paul is addressing the problem many believers had in the first century, and that was having rampant idol worship in every town and city. For example, the believers who lived in Rome had to put up with the worship off Caesar, who was considered a god, and so images/idols of him were everywhere and all citizens were expected to sacrifice to him. The meat used for the sacrifice was either eaten in the temple dedicated to the emperor or sold in meat markets. The dilemma for some believers was they did not want anything to do with meat that had first been offered in worship to a false god. Others, like Paul, had no problem eating meat that had been offered to a false god. Paul quotes "no idol in the world really exists," and uses "there is no God but one." But he was also a caring shepherd for the entire flock and so declares that he would be careful about eating meat in front of those who might be easily offended or might lose faith because of where the meat had first been offered. Paul's love for his people built up the church. He also knew that knowledge might make some puff up and declare they didn't care what others thought and would do as they pleased; and thus help to destroy the church. He even knows it is a sin to do such an act with full knowledge that it is.
Today we don't have the problem of idol worship, but we do have enough divisions within the body where we have to ask, "What serves the building up of God's kingdom in this situation? Is it knowledge, or love?" It is prayer and reflection, discussion, and love that will bless our actions and our fellowship.
PRAYER: Loving God, calm our minds and spirits to know what we need to know, as well as to fill our minds and hearts with Your love to know how best to address each situation and challenge; we seek to build up, not tear down. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show a little more love in all things!
Receive my blessings of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
