“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.
—1 Corinthians 10:23-33

~~~~~

If I Don’t, or If I Do
By Jennifer Kane

I am free—
but what good is my freedom
if it builds no bridge,
if it bruises another’s soul
just to satisfy my own?

I could speak,
but will my words build faith
or carve wounds into a tender heart?

I could partake,
but if my cup causes him to fall,
then let it stay full—
for love’s sake.

This is not the narrow gate of rules,
but the wide road of wisdom
paved with care,
guarded by conscience,
lit by the question:
Will this build them up,
or pull them down?

So I ask not just,
“What would Jesus do?”
but also,
“Who might stumble if I don’t?”
and
“Who might see Christ if I do?”

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

As Christians, we often ask, “Is this allowed?” But Paul challenges us to ask a deeper, better question: “Is this helpful? Will it build up others? Will it glorify God?”

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul isn’t writing to impose legalistic rules. He’s guiding us to grow from self-focused freedom into love-shaped maturity. It’s not just about what I can do, but about how my choices affect the body of Christ and the people around me.

Yes, you may be free to drink alcohol—but if it harms someone’s faith or recovery, is it worth it?

You may enjoy a certain show or movie, but could it compromise your witness or dull your spirit?

You may feel confident eating at an unbeliever’s home, but are you honoring their sensitivities, or only your own comfort?

Paul reminds us: “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” In other words, Christian liberty is not the freedom to live selfishly—it’s the freedom to choose love over license.

Paul offers three simple but challenging filters for our daily decisions:

1. Is it helpful?
Not just for you—but for the people around you.
2. Does it build up?
Not just your own knowledge or rights—but someone else’s faith.
3. Does it glorify God?
That’s the highest purpose behind every action.

This means we might willingly give up something permissible for the sake of someone else’s spiritual health. That’s not weakness—it’s Christlike love in action.

Before you make a decision that involves your personal freedom (what you eat, drink, watch, say, or do), pause and ask:
“Will this build someone up—or could it cause them to stumble?”
Live for more than what’s allowed—live for what loves well.

~~~~~

Father, thank You for the freedom I have in Christ. Help me not to use that freedom selfishly, but to live it out in love. Teach me to seek not just what is allowed, but what builds up, encourages, and reflects Your glory. Make me aware of others’ hearts and consciences. And let everything I do—whether eating, drinking, speaking, or choosing—be done for Your glory and the good of those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

June 18, 2025