1 CORINTHIANS 10
23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience – 1 Corinthians 10:23-28
1 CORINTHIANS 10 SEEK THE GOOD OF OTHERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As a believer, we are set apart from the world
Let us not act as if we have not heard God’s word
The worldly person seeks what is good for the self
But the believer pursues the needs and welfare of others
The believer encourages and builds up the body of Christ
The unbeliever tears down and builds his own fortress.
In this letter, Paul reminds them of denying themselves and seeking the good of his neighbor. This reproof would surely make an unbeliever’s heart revolt. It is against the world system’s concept of the “self” as the center of the universe. Paul quotes Psalm 24:1 in verse 26 when he points out that everything comes from the Lord. He mentions this to them so that they do not have to be legalistic about certain foods to eat just as the Jewish law prohibits many of them.
The purpose of Paul’s mentioning that God owns all things, he is actually making them reflect that all things created by God are good. There is no need to be legalistic on what to eat and what not to eat. How one reacts to certain preferences of others may repulse other people from hearing the gospel. So, Paul cautioned them to make sure that they exercise compassion and act in love and gentleness as they associate even with unbelievers.
REFLECTION
- What do you think would happen if every person seeks the good of others?
