I Corinthians 10:1-33
But if someone says to you, “This [meat] has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you… (v. 28) My Study Bible had the following comment on this verse: “If the meat has been identified as meat sacrificed to idols and you eat it, the man – whether a believer or an unbeliever – might think you condone … the worship of the idols the meat has been offered to.” Some of you already know this story – a few years ago a couple from Maryland with whom we were quite close invited us to the wedding of their daughter and her female partner. We declined the invitation in that we disagreed with same-sex marriage and we could not rejoice at that upcoming union. Those friends then wrote us off – for good! We had the sense that our attendance had been very important to them in that we would be affirming their daughter’s lifestyle and they knew that we had been leaders in the Episcopal church where we met. We were even foundational in their Christian growth. Carol and I had labored and prayed over our decision and shared our situation with a number of Christian friends before we declined the invitation. We were shocked and hurt by their very harsh reply. But we move on – without their friendship. Sad…
One final note to the story above… It has been my observation that the gay community does not simply want acceptance of their lifestyle – they want affirmation! I can be friends with a gay couple, but I cannot affirm that relationship. Sad…
See also: May 2 / I Cor. 10:1-13; May 3 / I Cor. 10:14-22; May 4 / I Cor. 10:23-33