We live in a culture that prizes personal freedom. “My rights.” “My choices.” “My preferences.” “My way.”
But Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 8:7–13 and 10:23–33, paired with the simple but challenging line from 1 Corinthians 13:5, offers a radically different vision:
Love does not insist on its own way — it uses freedom to build others up.
Christian freedom is real, but it is never ultimate. Love is.
Knowledge Without Love Harms
The Corinthians were arguing about whether Christians could eat food that had been offered to idols. Some believers knew idols were nothing — just carved stone or metal. Their knowledge was technically correct.
But Paul warns them:
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
Knowledge without love becomes a weapon. It inflates the ego instead of strengthening the community.
The issue wasn’t the food. The issue was the heart behind the choice.
If your “freedom” wounds someone else’s conscience, Paul says, you’re no longer walking in love.
Freedom Without Love Destroys
Paul acknowledges that Christians have tremendous liberty in Christ. But liberty without love becomes dangerous.
He writes:
“Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block.”
“All things are lawful, but not all things build up.”
Freedom is not the highest value in the kingdom of God. Edification is.
If my freedom leads someone else into confusion, temptation, or spiritual harm, then my freedom has become destructive.
Love refuses to let that happen.
Love Does Not Insist on Its Own Way
This is where Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 come crashing into the conversation:
“Love… does not insist on its own way.”
Love willingly limits itself. Love chooses restraint. Love lays down its rights for the sake of the weak.
Paul even says, “If food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat again.”
Not because meat is wrong. But because love is more important than liberty.
This is the heart of Christ Himself — the One who had every right in the universe, yet laid them all down for our salvation.
The Glory of God in Everyday Choices
Paul ends his teaching with a sweeping principle:
“Whatever you do… do all to the glory of God.”
This includes:
What you eat
What you drink
What you post
What you say
What you participate in
What you avoid
How you use your freedom
The glory of God is revealed not only in big spiritual moments, but in the small, everyday decisions where we choose love over self interest.
When we lay down our rights for the sake of others, we reflect the heart of Jesus — and that brings God glory.
Where Is God Calling You to Surrender a Freedom?
This week, consider this question:
Where is God inviting you to surrender a freedom for someone else’s good?
A habit that confuses a younger believer
A preference that creates unnecessary tension
A liberty that might cause someone else to stumble
A right you could demand but choose not to
A choice that is “permissible” but not “beneficial”
Love doesn’t ask, “What am I allowed to do?” Love asks, “What will build others up?”
Love Lays Down Its Rights
The Corinthians struggled because they valued freedom more than love. We struggle for the same reason.
But the way of Jesus is different. It is the way of surrender, sacrifice, and self-giving love.
May we be a people who use our freedom not to elevate ourselves, but to strengthen others — a people who lay down our rights for the sake of love.