1 Corinthians 10:19-33

1 Corinthians 10:19-33 NCV

I do not mean that the food sacrificed to an idol is important. I do not mean that an idol is anything at all. But I say that what is sacrificed to idols is offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to share anything with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons also. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to make the Lord jealous? We are not stronger than he is, are we? “We are allowed to do all things,” but not all things are good for us to do. “We are allowed to do all things,” but not all things help others grow stronger. Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for the good of others also. Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Do not ask questions about it. You may eat it, “because the earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it.” Those who are not believers may invite you to eat with them. If you want to go, eat anything that is put before you. Do not ask questions about it. But if anyone says to you, “That food was offered to idols,” do not eat it. Do not eat it because of that person who told you and because eating it might be thought to be wrong. I don’t mean you think it is wrong, but the other person might. But why, you ask, should my freedom be judged by someone else’s conscience? If I eat the meal with thankfulness, why am I criticized because of something for which I thank God? The answer is, if you eat or drink, or if you do anything, do it all for the glory of God. Never do anything that might hurt others—Jews, Greeks, or God’s church— just as I, also, try to please everybody in every way. I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most people so they can be saved.

Read 1 Corinthians 10