1 Corinthians 8:1-9
Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. if anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For all though there may be so called gods in heaven or on earth — as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—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 him we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not committed us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
THOUGHTS:
Yesterday, I sat with and meditated on Psalm 111. I encourage you to go read it. It is a psalm that describes the splendor and majesty of the Lord. It tells of His graciousness, mercy, faithfulness and justice. It declares that the Lord is indeed holy and awesome because it is He who acts and initiates. It is He who reveals and illuminates. He calls and delivers and He directs and commissions and His love and covenant endure forever.
The text above are the words of Paul, written to one of his congregations, about the things that they know about G-d and of the ways that those things should inform their behaviors. Paul, right off the bat, admits that we all have knowledge. We all know what we know. We all have practices, doctrines, rules and ways in which we choose to live. That knowledge often times sets us apart in ways that G-d never intended us to be set apart. This is the “puffs up” that Paul speaks of. Our perceived knowledge of G-d and His ways presents occasionally as "holier than thou." We imagine that what we know is the only good and right thing, forsaking all else as wrong. Paul gently reminds his readers that if we imagine that we know something, we must also acknowledge that we do not know all things and even that we could be wrong. But there is one thing according to Paul that we know for certain and that is that we are loved by G-d. Psalm 111 reminds us of this reality.
If there is one thing for certain about our holy and awesome G-d is that He has given all to prove and to show the depth of His love and grace for each and everyone of us. Think about it -- Jesus washed the feet, sat at the table with and extended unconditional love to the very disciple who would betray him (John 13). While Paul is talking about a specific issue of what to eat and what not to eat there are great truths that we can extrapolate from his words.
Not everyone understands the depth of the love of G-d for them. They may understand that and still fall in a different spectrum of belief than you. The walks of others will look different than yours. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves they may do some things right that we are doing wrong. But Paul’s encouragement tells us that we can trust what G-d has done in us and is doing through us. His love and empowerment is something that endures forever. Many of the things that we think matter towards our salvation, simply put, do not.
Paul, in talking about food sacrificed to idols, does not prohibit his readers from entering temples dedicated to idols. In fact, he says a little later in the text that when you are in the temple of idols remember to love. Our faith in Jesus Christ is not to separate us or take us out of the world, but instead meant to guide us as we live life in this world.
Paul's direction is that we err on the side of love, not doctrine, not our knowledge, but instead love. Paul's direction is to trust the love and grace that has been given to you extends beyond your imagination to others. Give the love that you have been given.
ACTION:
How will you err on the side of love today? What "knowledge" do you need to set aside in order to love someone right where they are? In what ways do you need to humble yourself and love better?
PRAYER:
Gracious G-d, You alone are worthy. You alone are holy and awesome. Help us today to err in love. Help us today to choose to love the unlovable, to break bread with our enemies and our friends. Help us to love more deeply. Amen.
