Daily Dose of Hope

February 3, 2026

Scripture: I Corinthians 8

Prayer: Almighty God, you are so good. Thank you for your love, your mercy, and your forgiveness. How amazing it is that you care so much for me. You are my everything. Help me take my scattered thoughts this morning and focus on you and you alone. In these next few moments of silence, help me center myself on you...Holy Spirit, come and speak to me through your Word. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. Right now, we are working our way through Paul's pastoral letters. We are currently in I Corinthians.

Today, our reading was I Corinthians 8. The Christians in the church at Corinth would have experienced a significant life change when they came to know Jesus. And this would have led to lots of questions. I want us to talk about the whole issue of meat sacrificed to idols and why this would have generated confusion in the church.

Meat wasn't typically consumed by the average person. They were vegetarians by necessity. Meat was just too expensive. But Corinth had many cults (dedicated to the Greek/Roman gods), which included animal sacrifices, and meetings at these cults would have been some of the only times that the average person would eat meat. These cult-like organizations were common experiences for many Corinthians, a part of their social and civic circle if you will. Even Christians, who only believed in the one true God and rejected the Greek/Roman gods, might participate in these organizations and consumed meat there.

What Paul is saying is that the meat being consumed at these events is kind of irrelevant. The meat is neither holy nor unholy – it's just meat. But being part of these cults is an issue. While those who are strong in their faith (possess knowledge is the phrase that Paul uses) may be able to attend these cult meals and not be affected by them, others who are weaker may very well be affected by them. Thus, Paul encourages those with stronger consciences to not participate simply so as not to confuse or negatively influence a weaker brother or sister.

This was not about doctrine but really more of a pastoral argument. We love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and we should refrain from this, not because it's inherently wrong, but because we love them and don't want them to stumble.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki