ESOCS Devotional 22 February 2026 -Liberty With Boundaries
MEMORY VERSE: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become stumbling block to them that are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9 KJV
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 8:1-END
Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
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Your Christian liberty is not an excuse to act without considering others. The most important principle is to love your brothers and sisters in Christ. There are “weak” believers who have less spiritual knowledge and a “weaker conscience” as such. Causing a weak believer to sin by violating their conscience is a serious offense that wounds their faith and is considered a sin against Christ.
Our liberty in Christ comes with a responsibility to consider the impact of our actions on fellow believers, especially those whose faith might be in a more delicate state. Our choices should be guided by love and concern for others, not just your own rights or knowledge. Paul’s choice of the term “weak” is not a derogatory label but a recognition of the vulnerability of certain believers. These individuals may be wrestling with convictions or understanding, and they are susceptible to being influenced or confused by the actions of those who wield their liberty without restraint.
When your actions cause a fellow believer to violate their conscience and sin, you are sinning against Christ. So, it is better to abstain from that action entirely. Denying your own rights for the sake of another’s spiritual well-being is a higher form of freedom than simply pleasing yourself. Having “superior knowledge” is not enough; true wisdom lies in using that knowledge to build up, not tear down, others.
Be mindful of how your choices in areas like food, entertainment, or social activities might affect those around you. While a principle might be sound in itself, if its application leads a weaker brother or sister into sin, it is not a principle worth following in that context. If there are differing opinions on certain practices within the church, be open to honest conversations and respectful of those who hold different views due to their background. Let’s try as much as we can to build a community marked by love and consideration. Instead of prioritizing our rights or freedoms, we are encouraged to prioritize the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings on love, emphasizing a selfless, sacrificial love that puts the needs of others before our own desires.
Reflections
- Has your liberty in Christ impacted others positively or otherwise?
Prayer
- Oh Lord, teach me to understand the extent of my freedom and build others by my actions.
Further Reading: Isaiah 47:1-9; Amos 3:1-7; Luke 7:1-10
ESOCS Devotional 22 February 2026
