MEMORIAL OF SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS – 29th JULY
July 29, 2023
FEAST OF SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – 30th JULY
July 30, 2023
THE 29th OF JULY
IT IS WORTH TO “WALK AN EXTRA MILE” FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S SALVATION
Just as I please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:33
Would this be against what we have read in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 or in Galatians 1:10? No, it is not. Here Paul was saying that he had lived as much as possible, by not doing what he would like, but by what would serve the interests of those around him. He said he had tried to please all men, by not seeking his own profit, so that people’s hearts would be open to receive the Gospel.
We are to try our best to please God and then to please people, but only in the measure that it would not be a sin against our Lord. In the previous verses, Paul was talking about eating the meat that had been offered to idols and then the pagan priests that received it would give it to be sold on the market.
Even if something may not be a sin for the one with strong faith, we should not use the freedom we have in Christ, to cause those that might be weaker Christians to sin, by following our example and ignoring their own convictions. In such cases, it is better to do what helps others.
In eating, drinking and in all we do, we should seek to please and glorify God, helping others to do what is right and not what would please our carnal nature. It is way more valuable to help a soul to be saved than for us to do something that might be a stumbling block for that person.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Father God, please help me to pay attention to the people around me and not do anything that might cause them to stumble and as a result, to reject You. Please give me wisdom and help me use self-control, so that I may help those around me to find You and be saved. Lord, please help me not to seek my own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
