When we love God, we love His people.
When we love God’s people, we will sacrifice for them.
I have been reading the book of 1 Corinthians each morning for a couple of weeks (and also reading the NIVAC commentary by Craig Blomberg on this same book…great stuff!). In my studies, I have been struck by the call to love to the point of inconvenience, changing our tastes, limiting our freedom, and even sacrificing.
In 1 Corinthians 8 the apostle Paul declares that his love for his brothers and sisters is so great that if his freedom to eat meat sacrificed to idols causes others to stumble in their faith, he will refrain from eating this meat.
What a great reminder as we begin a new week. Are there things I do, in my freedom that could cause someone Jesus loves to stumble? If so, would I dare to love enough to limit my freedom for the sake of this person? Do I love God and His people than much?