Not Living for Ourselves Alone

READ: ROMANS 14; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:9-13; 13:4-7; GALATIANS 5:13 We live in a world that often says, “Do whatever makes you happy.” But in Romans 14:21, Paul says something else. He’s writing to Christians in Rome who were arguing about food, drink, and other personal choices. Some felt free to eat anything; others believed certain foods were wrong. Instead of saying, “Do what you want,” Paul instructs the believers to think about how their choices affect the people around them. If what we’re doing—even if it’s not wrong in itself—makes it harder for someone else to follow Jesus, then it’s worth giving up. Sometimes God calls us to lay down our freedom out of love. This isn’t just about food. As believers, it’s natural and good to desire freedom—to make our own choices, speak our minds, and live fully in the freedom we have in Christ. But that freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want—it’s about using our freedom to reflect Jesus and love others well (Galatians 5:13). It’s freedom with love. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). And He didn’t just say it—He lived it. As God the Son, He gave up His rights, His comfort, and ultimately His life, to put our needs first and fulfill the will of the Father. That’s the kind of love Jesus has for us. And that’s the kind of love we’re called to walk in. Scripture reminds us that our actions affect others. You might be fine listening to certain music, joking a certain way, or watching specific content—but it’s worth asking ourselves: is this helping or hurting someone else’s walk with Jesus? And that’s where 1 Corinthians 13 comes in. Love isn’t about getting our way—“Love is patient, love is kind… It is not self-seeking” (verses 4-5). Sometimes love means we don’t do something—not because it’s sinful, but because it might cause someone else to stumble. Remember, we’re able to love others in this way when we rest in Jesus, who laid down His rights, His desires, and His very life out of love for us. • Stephanie Mathews • Sometimes, it can be hard to know if something we’re doing is making it difficult for those around us to follow Jesus. Thankfully, whenever we have questions about this, Jesus invites us to bring them to Him in prayer. In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians you can ask? • Who in your life might be impacted—positively or negatively—by your example? Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19 (NIV)