1 Corinthians 10:23-33 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it!

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. The subject is Christian liberty and how we should treat the conscience of another. One can see why the dietary laws ceased. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it! So instead of labeling something unclean, we should partake in it because it comes from the Lord and we give thanks for it. The proper behavior is to do whatever builds up the body of believers. If another doesn't understand their freedom in Christ and label some things off limits, for the sake of another refrain, because we are in the business of uniting the body and not dividing it. Daily Prayer: Lord, give me to full understanding of liberty found in you. At the same time give me the judgment to know when to refrain for the sake of another so that Your House will be united and not divided. Amen.