“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
—1 Corinthians 10:23-33

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Freedom | Compassion
By Jennifer Kane

“All things are lawful,” | “But not all things build up.”
I walk where I choose, | I pause for another’s need.
The world is mine to roam, | Yet I consider the weaker brother.
I take and taste freely, | I ask, “Will this harm their soul?”
The earth is the Lord’s, | So I share what He provides.
I live without chains, | Yet I bind myself in love.

My conscience is clear, | But their heart takes priority.
I seek my own joy, | But not at the cost of peace.
In freedom, I feast, | But in compassion, I abstain.
I give thanks and eat, | Yet I ask, “Does this offend?”
For my steps are my own, | But my path serves His glory.
Freedom shines in my life, | Compassion lights the way.

Whether I eat or drink, | Let every act honor God.
For His love made me free, | So I love others as He loves me.

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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

In our desire to live out the love of Christ, it’s easy to confuse helping and encouraging others with people-pleasing. While both may outwardly look similar, their motives and results differ greatly.

People-pleasing stems from a need for approval. It places others’ opinions of us above God’s will, often compromising convictions for acceptance or avoiding conflict. By contrast, helping and encouraging others flows from a heart anchored in God’s love. It seeks the good of our neighbor (v. 24) and aims to build them up in truth, not at the expense of our faithfulness to Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, Paul addresses how Christians should navigate decisions regarding their liberty in Christ, particularly when it impacts others. Paul’s example shows that love prioritizes what is helpful, constructive, and glorifying to God. He reminds us that every choice—whether it’s what we eat, drink, or do—should ultimately aim to bring glory to God (v. 31).

When helping others, our motive should not be to gain approval but to reflect God’s character and draw people closer to Him. This includes discerning when our actions may cause harm or lead someone into confusion, even if those actions are lawful for us. Paul gives the example of refraining from eating food offered to idols, not because it is sinful in itself, but for the sake of another’s conscience (v. 28). This is love in action—sacrificing personal freedom for the spiritual good of others.

Yet, Paul also makes it clear that this is not about being enslaved to others’ expectations or opinions. Our liberty is a gift from God, and we should partake with thankfulness (v. 30). The balance comes in seeking God’s glory above all. People-pleasing serves self—helping and encouraging serve God and others.

Are your actions motivated by a desire for approval, or are they rooted in love for God and others? When helping or encouraging others, do you pause to discern if your actions are truly building them up? How can you better balance your freedom in Christ with a heart that prioritizes others’ spiritual well-being?

Today let us pray for wisdom in discerning the difference between people-pleasing and God-honoring service. Before saying “yes” to a request, ask yourself: Will this glorify God and build up my neighbor in love? Surrender any fear of rejection or conflict to God, and trust Him to guide your steps as you seek to encourage others in truth.

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Heavenly Father, help me to live for Your glory and not the approval of others. Teach me to discern what is helpful and builds others up. Strengthen my heart to serve with love and humility, reflecting Your grace to those around me. Guard me from the trap of people-pleasing, and guide me in living a life that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 26 2025