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“But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
 
1 Corinthians 8:9
Why do I feel good when I do something virtuous, and why do I agonize when I do something evil? These are the questions every human being should address because one way or another, we surely have been in such situations.
 
Being a Christian carries individual liberties, i.e., in terms of food, clothing, type of music, etc. We are free to choose whatever suits our taste. But there’s an essential element to exercising freedom we have to take into consideration: we must ensure we don’t cause someone to stumble.
 
Today, we are going to talk about conscience. God gave us a conscience, which acts as “an internal court where our actions are judged and are either approved or condemned” (Wiersbe). Our conscience judges what we do or say and that judgment is manifested in how we feel right after.
 
The word “conscience” is used 32 times in the NT and gets its roots from the Greek “suneidesis,” which means “moral awareness” or “moral consciousness.”
 
Conscience is not the law, but it reflects the moral law of God. For example, a person who does not know the Bible knows that lying is evil without being taught. How does he know? Because of his built-in conscience. God wired our hearts with the ability to discern what is morally right or wrong.
 
Conscience depends on knowledge. That’s why it should be shaped by Scripture. The more we know about God and His Word, the sharper and more sensitive our conscience will become.
 
Today’s verse is an example of how we should use our freedom according to our moral awareness. Paul reminds the Romans that food has nothing to do with their standing with God. They are free to eat whatever they want, but he instructs them to avoid causing other believers, especially those with weaker consciences, to sin.
 
A long-time believer who seriously studies God’s word and applies its principles should have a better knowledge of the freedom he has in Christ compared to a spiritual babe. Younger Christians, like babies, should be guided by more sensible Christians and help them reach maturity. You may not be worried about getting a tattoo, but if you have a brother who doesn’t feel good about it, you might want to think twice. But what comes with this decision is the obligation to teach the brother with a weaker conscience and help him grow.
 
Our knowledge should always be balanced with love. It takes maturity and wisdom to withhold our freedom for the benefit of others. That’s the kind of Christian God wants us to be.
 
Pursue the Saviour today!