Can I indulge or abstain?
Issues of conscience and preference require careful consideration to maintain unity and love within the church.
Understanding these categories helps Christians respect diverse opinions and avoid unnecessary conflicts, promoting a more unified and loving community.
Is it an issue of conscience? Conscience issues arise when someone abstains from something that is neither sinful nor foolish, influenced by biblical wisdom and personal experience.
Even among like-minded believers, circumstances colour perspectives. The influence of your personal experience can make it difficult for you to imagine how others could operate differently in good conscience.
No wonder the New Testament commands believers to respect and tolerate diverse opinions on issues in this category (Rom 14:13). Christians must submit their consciences to God (Rom 14:5–7) and seek to build one another up in love (Rom 14:19), even as they exercise liberty with discretion (Rom 14:20).
Is it an issue of preference?
The key to understanding the category of choice is to recognize that such an opinion is morally benign so long as one holds to it properly.
Preferences may have some connection to wise counsel or particular convictions, but they are fundamentally matters of personal interest shaped by desires, instincts, life stage, generation, and culture.
You should expect to disagree with other Christians on such issues and should consider the “interests of others” above your own (Phil 2:4)
Conclusion: When an action does not disobey Scripture, Christians have the freedom to participate or abstain, and we can expect diverse approaches.
A triage for practical theology helps distinguish the immoral from the weak or immature.
Both require a thoughtful response, but the love of neighbour and respect for Scripture demand that you know the difference between an action that transgresses the law of God and one that defies your personal opinions.
Preferences may have some connection to wise counsel or particular convictions, but they are fundamentally matters of personal interest shaped by desires, instincts, life stage, generation, and culture.
You should expect to disagree with other Christians on such issues and should consider the “interests of others” above your own (Phil 2:4)
Conclusion: When an action does not disobey Scripture, Christians have the freedom to participate or abstain, and we can expect diverse approaches.
A triage for practical theology helps distinguish the immoral from the weak or immature.
Both require a thoughtful response, but the love of neighbour and respect for Scripture demand that you know the difference between an action that transgresses the law of God and one that defies your personal opinions.
