Let Love Rule / David Jeremiah

Let Love Rule Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4   As the Gospel spread from Jerusalem into the world of the Gentiles, cultural issues arose that required a spiritual response. For instance, in the food markets of large cities like Corinth and Rome, meat would be sold that was leftover from sacrifices in pagan temples. In other words, it was meat that had been offered to idols. The question arose as to whether Christians could eat that meat without defiling their conscience.

Recommended Reading: Romans 14:17-19

Paul wrote two lengthy passages addressing this issue in 1 Corinthians 10:14–11:1 and Romans 14:1-23. In short, he said that there was no harm in eating meat from pagan temples, but he left the decision up to the individual. More importantly, he cautioned against letting one’s own conscience be a standard of judgment against others. He said that peace in the church and mutual edification were most important (Romans 14:19). As always, love was to be the guide: “Love...does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). In all our relationships—home, work, church—we are to love one another, not judge one another. Pursue peace and edification wherever you go today.   Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. Dietrich Bonhoeffer