Thoughts: Paul was addressing differing opinions about a secondary issue- eating meat sacrificed to idols. To some, who could only afford meat that had been discounted because it had been sacrificed to idols, this was a seemingly primary issue. Some said that anything offered at a pagan offered was tainted or polluted with evil. Others said that since pagan gods weren't real, it really didn't matter. Paul saw that such secondary things could split the church apart- both sides claiming a scriptural basis for their actions.
Paul was saying the church was more valuable than getting your own way affirmed. There have always been various idealists and various purists in the church who put their ideals or their concept of the purity of the church ahead of the church itself. So, instead of having a big umbrella (I hesitate to use the words "big tent"), over a variety of people, we kick people out into the rain or cold wanting only one viewpoint. Too many times people in power in the church are not sensitive to those with differing viewpoints- and force their viewpoints down the throats of others. So we try to separate the wheat and tares now (Mt. 13). A small majority has no right to claim a mandate- whether that is in the political arena or the church political arena. To do so diminishes the church.
So Paul is saying that even if you know you have a God-given-right, you should exercise that right carefully with a mind toward your brother or sister who think differently.
Prayer: Lord, help me to put other believers ahead of my own ideals. Give me grace to speak the truth, but speak it in love today.
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