AVOIDING OFFENSE
Matthew 17:24-27
“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?’ Peter said to Him, ‘From strangers.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to Them for Me and you.’ ”
Jesus used this occasion as a teaching moment about not offending people. As the Lord of the temple, Jesus was free and under no obligation to pay the temple tax. However, in order to avoid needlessly offending people, He observed the custom. There are customs other people observe that I am not required to observe. However, in order not to offend other people, I will oblige them. Paul picked up this principle in his writings. In regard to eating certain foods or observing certain days, he said “not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way … If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love” (Romans 14:13b-15a). And again he wrote, “Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak” (I Corinthians 8:9). If it does not violate my integrity, then I need to accommodate another person’s faith. I am free from the law but bound by love.
TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Observing certain customs may not be required by my faith, but may be required by love.
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Have an "inoffensive" day. Love you.
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