Stumble

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 v 13 “So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live- for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.”

Paul is answering questions from a new Church in Corinth. This one is about eating meat that has been offered to idols. “We all have knowledge” about this issue. Knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers really doesn’t know very much. There is one God the Father and One Lord Jesus Christ, for whom and through whom we live. It’s true we can’t gain God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything; we don’t gain anything. But you must be careful that your freedom does not cause others to stumble. And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something that they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. So, if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live- for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.”

One of my grandchildren has a favorite story now called “Going on a Bear Hunt”. Part of the story involves going through a forest, a dark forest, “Stumble, trip, stumble trip!” The word mentioned twice in this passage that stood out for me was stumble. And when writing out other phrases that stood out, I realized this was a wonderful passage. An example of how to live our lives as Christians and as a church body. First feeling superior to others because of your knowledge does not unite the church body but love does. So, dealing with a difficult question must be from a basis of love. I agree with the next statement that might be phrased today “the more you know, the less you know!” Stating our belief, One God, One Jesus. then our own opinion, “we don’t gain God’s approval by what we eat!” But encouraging others to do something they believe is wrong is a sin against Christ. So, make a decision that won’t cause another believer to stumble.”

Prayer: Holy God who shows us how-to live-in love, thank you for sending your Son Jesus through whom we live. Help us to live our lives so that those around us do not stumble but grow in love. Amen.