All Things Are Lawful

"Therefore my judgment is that we don't trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God, but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from [meat of] strangled [animals], and from blood."
~ Acts 15:19-20 (HNV)

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any... Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
~ 1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:9 (NKJV)

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
~ Romans 13:8 (NIV)

Twenty-three years ago I heard and accepted the Gospel's message of salvation, but received no message of repentance from sin. I expected to have happiness once I had neither the curse of death hanging over my head nor the need to worry about sin. I was utterly miserable.

After three years I began to walk with the Lord. I sensed that life in Christ ought to be free of sin, and struggled to understand how to distinguish right from wrong in a world of gray. Living by the law later reassured me, until the religion of legalism produced its own pride-filled misery.

The New Testament teaches a law of liberty and love. All things are lawful for me, yet love for God compels me to honor Him, and love of neighbor means my liberty will not cause injury or offense.

Pure Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship of unconditional love with God and man.

Gracious Father, You are worthy of our highest love. Obedience to Your commandments is not burdensome, but a happy debt of love. No one is a greater wretch than we have been. Everyone worthy of Your love is worthy of ours. Help us to love one another as You have loved us.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy