In a word, Paul is saying, “we should not impose the day-by-day practice of our faith onto others.” We should let God’s Word be the basis for our faith-walk, and nothing else.
If we follow this guideline, then we never need to concern ourselves as to whether we are acting beyond the scope of God’s Word. We will be happy, free and blessed.
Paul says, “Do not deliberately seek to shock your brother or sister. Do not deliberately do things to offend them or make them feel uncomfortable. Think about them, not yourself. Give up your right when it threatens the peace or hinders the growth of another individual. Be alert to judge in that area. Never act from doubt. Act only from conviction, by the Word and by the Holy Spirit. If these problems are all settled on that basis, you will be moving gradually toward the great liberty that we have as children of God.”
What will happen in the eyes of the watching world? Christians will be seen to be free people, not controlled by scruples that limit them and narrow them in their enjoyment of God's great gifts. Yet, these things will not be of such importance that they are put at the heart and center of everything. The world will begin to see that the heart of the Gospel is freedom to love without limit, forgive without fetter and serve with humble sincerity. Jesus frees us in all these areas.
Freedom is not standing on our rights. Freedom is the ability to give up our rights to meet the needs of others. That is what Jesus meant when He taught, “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty (Matthew 23:11, 12).”
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