Christians Should Do and Not Do
Many times, Christians have a hard time dealing with those who do not share their faith. Next Sunday’s reading gives us something to do and something not to do:
Reading 2 1 Cor 10:31-11:1
Brothers and sisters,
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do everything for the glory of God.
Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or
the church of God,
just as I try to please everyone in every way,
not seeking my own benefit but that of the many,
that they may be saved.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
First, we should “do everything for the glory of God.”
Secondly, we should “Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or The Church of God.” The author, St. Paul, had every reason to give offense to the Jews who attacked him. They had him whipped, jailed, and forced him to go to Rome. Many were hostile to Jesus, as well as to the apostles. And, he had reasons to disagree with Christians who argued with his positions.
Attacked St. Paul
The Greeks weren’t much friendlier. They attacked St. Paul and the early Christians because the new faith put their religious establishments at risk.
Despite such hostility, St. Paul tells us what we should not do. He teaches us that we should “avoid giving offense”. So, that’s what we should do. We tell the truth, we make our choices to believe and obey, and we do so “without giving offense”.
