Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Men hvis noen sier til dere: «Dette er offerkjøtt», så bør dere ikke spise det av hensyn til den som sa det, fordi det kan være en samvittighetssak for vedkommende. Når jeg tar opp dette med samvittigheten, så mener jeg ikke din egen samvittighet, men at du skal ta hensyn til de andres samvittighet. Noen vil da kanskje si: «Skal friheten innskrenkes på grunn av en annens samvittighet? Skal vi bry oss om at folk ser negativt på oss om vi spiser maten som blir oss servert?» Her handler det om å ta hensyn. Uansett hva dere spiser eller drikker, så gjør det til Guds ære, slik at Gud blir opphøyd. Vær ikke slik at folk mister respekt og tar avstand fra dere – det gjelder både jøder, grekere eller mennesker innad i Guds menighet. Jeg prøver å leve slik at jeg på alle måter blir likt av menneskene rundt meg, og jeg er ikke opptatt av mitt eget beste, men av hva som er best for andre, slik at de kan bli frelst. 11
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells Christians that if someone informs you food was offered to idols, don't eat it out of respect for their beliefs and to avoid causing them to sin by eating something they feel is wrong. Paul wrote this, reminding us the earth belongs to God.
Explained for Children
Imagine your friend brings a cake to school but tells you it has ingredients from a store that sells magic potions. The Bible says if your friend thinks those ingredients are bad, then don't eat the cake to make sure no one feels upset or guilty.
Historical Background
The Apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the Corinthians around AD 53-54. He was addressing a community of early Christians struggling with issues related to eating food sacrificed to idols, common in Greek and Roman culture.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, if someone tells you that a dish contains meat from an animal sacrificed in another religion's ceremony, it’s wise not to eat the meal out of respect for their beliefs. This shows how respecting others' views can maintain unity within a community.
What if I don't believe in the idol worship, should I still follow this advice?
Yes, even if you do not believe in idols, respecting others' beliefs and consciences is important. It promotes unity and shows love to your fellow believers who might be offended.
Does this verse apply only to food sacrifices or can it be generalized?
This principle of avoiding what causes others to sin can be applied more broadly, like avoiding actions that might lead someone else to violate their conscience or moral standards.
What does 'earth is the Lord's' mean in this context?
It means everything belongs to God and should be used in ways that honor Him and respect others. It encourages us to use our resources responsibly, considering how they affect those around us.
How can I apply this verse when inviting guests for dinner?
When hosting guests, consider if there are any dietary restrictions or beliefs related to certain foods. Ask about their preferences and respect their choices to ensure a comfortable and respectful meal environment.