📧 In today’s email..

• 📕 Today’s reading

• 🙏 The SOAP Devotional of the day

📕 TODAY’S READING
2 Chr 29-31; 1 Corinthians 8

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🙏 SOAP DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: scripture, observation, application, prayer

Today’s SOAP Devotional - Colby F. Maier

S - SCRIPTURE: - 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."

O - OBSERVATION:

In this chapter, Paul addresses the issue of food sacrificed to idols. While knowledge leads some believers to understand that idols are nothing, and that eating food once offered to them is in fact harmless, Paul emphasizes love over knowledge. He warns that exercising our freedoms without consideration of others can actually hinder their faith.

For example, if eating food previously sacrificed to idols might cause some "weaker" believers to slip back into idol worship, then exercising that freedom could become a stumbling block for new converts who had recently turned away from the idolatry that was so prevalent in Greco-Roman society. Therefore, true knowledge isn’t merely about what we understand, but about how we apply that understanding in love toward others. While knowledge can lead to pride, love seeks to edify and build up those around us.

A - APPLICATION:

In our daily lives, we might have the freedom to do certain things that are not inherently wrong, but we must consider how our actions affect those around us. Our decisions should be guided by love, ensuring that we do not cause others to stumble in their faith. Today, take a moment to reflect on your actions, particularly in areas where you exercise personal freedom.

Is there something you’re doing that could be a stumbling block to someone else, perhaps a new believer? Consider one specific habit or behavior you can modify to prioritize the spiritual formation of others. Whether it’s being mindful of your words, avoiding certain activities in the presence of others, or offering encouragement where needed, choose one practical step today to ensure your actions are grounded in love.

P - PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, help me to act in love rather than just knowledge. Give me the wisdom to consider others in all I do, and to build them up in their faith rather than causing them to stumble. In Jesus name, Amen.

What is a SOAP?

For each day of Bible reading, we do a SOAP devotional to go deeper into the word of God. We always provide an example SOAP from one of our authors, but we highly encourage you to do your own SOAP with today’s reading. God wants to speak to you personally, and will highlight a passage of today’s reading that’s just for you.

Here’s how it works:

S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you
slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!

O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?

A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His
Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.