Scripture: 1Corinthians (NIV) 8:13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

Observation: Paul knew that idol gods were really nothing and that meat sold in the market that had been dedicated to those idol gods was good meat; he was free to eat that meat. But if someone believed the idol was really a god and saw Paul eating meat that had been dedicated to that idol they may be offended and their spiritual life hindered. So Paul would refrain from eating so that he would not offend his brother. Paul’s love for his brother or sister in the Lord was greater than his desire to exercise his freedom. Giving up his freedom was not done begrudgingly, but willingly and lovingly.

Application: The principle in this verse goes far beyond eating meats dedicated to some idol. Sacrificing something I am free to do or something that is dear to me should not be a heavy burden when it is for my brother. I am reminded of the song, “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother.” (A phrase popularized by Father Flanagan as the motto for Boy’s Town)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to love my sisters and brothers as you love them. Amen