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GIVE NO OFFENSE

Text:1 Corinthian 10:32

Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God

It is pertinent to know that human beings live within a community, and that we are interdependent beings. This knowledge of interdependence therefore calls for accountability on personal, corporate, direct or indirect levels. 

You are directly or indirectly responsible and accountable to people within your family, workplace, worship place, community, the nation at large and essentially to God. 

Ignorance of this responsibility and accountability is what leads to reckless living of "I don't care what people think or say about me".

This principle of being your brothers' keeper must be well established amongst brethren within the church and the body of Christ. You must know that you owe your brother love. And paying this debt of love to your brethren, is ensuring that you do not offend them by your lifestyle and conversation. 

Romans 13:8 says that you should *"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law".* 

Apostle Paul gave an instruction to the strong believers in Corinthian church not to offend those with weak conscience by freely eating food that are offered to idols.

In the same manner, you must also desist from offending your brethren by how you use your freedom and knowledge. 

Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:33 that he pleases all men in all things, not seeking his own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. He did all in his best to live in such a way that men might be saved.

Are there people in your circle of influence getting offended at your faith because you aren't shining as the light? Are you offending your brethren because of your lifestyle and manner of life?

It is high time you began to walk in love. You need to seek for that which profit others and not only your own.

I once heard someone spelt out how to constantly live in JOY by giving the acronyms of . J.O.Y, where J stands for *Jesus*, O for *Others*, and *Yourself* last. 

Bible Reading :1Corinthian 10:16-23.


PRAYER FOCUS

1.) Father, I receive grace to live in such a way that my life will shine for men to see your light.

2.) Father, I receive the grace and wisdom to always seek for the profit of my brethren. 


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