Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:13 NKJV)
When asked about his brother Abel, Cain said, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer is a big yes. Each of us has a responsibility to look after the welfare of our brothers and sisters – more so, when they are weak, to prevent them from stumbling and falling into sin. We do have freedom in Christ. We are free because we have the knowledge of the truth. The truth set us free. Knowledge is power only when it is understood and practiced. In the course of human history, great feats were achieved through knowledge. However, there is something more powerful than that. We gained great triumphs trough love. The love of Christ liberated our souls from the bondage of sin. Until today, Christ’s love is still a potent power that frees sinners. Love conquers all. It is important to know and understand that our freedom should be restrained by the effects it will have on others. If we have the freedom to such a thing, we have to consider what the effects to others would be. Will what I do weaken or edify another believer? “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” If we are willing to give our life for a brethren, can we not deny ourselves of certain freedom for their sakes? Knowing is one thing, understanding is another, but loving is more excellent.
