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“‘I have the right to do anything, you say but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything, but not everything is constructive.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
The words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:23 confront us with a deep and uncomfortable truth: freedom does not automatically mean perfection, and permission does not always lead to what is good. In a world where people often say, “I am free to do what I want,” Paul invites us to pause and ask a more important question: Is what I am doing beneficial? Is it building others up?
Paul is writing to believers who were confident in their Christian freedom. They knew that idols were nothing, that food was just food, and that salvation was not lost by external actions. In theory, they were right. Yet Paul gently but firmly reminds them that Christian life is not lived only on the level of rights, but on the level of love.
Not everything we do is perfect. Even when our intentions are good, our actions can fall short. We may say, “I meant well,” or “I had the right to say that,” but the impact of our actions and words often tells a different story. Our words reveal us, and our choices speak louder than our explanations. As Jesus said elsewhere, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” What we say, how we act, and when we choose to act show who we truly are becoming.
Paul’s teaching reminds us that the Christian life is not about asking, “Is this allowed?” but rather, “Does this glorify God and help others?” Something may be lawful, but it may not be loving. Something may be permitted, but it may not be constructive. Spiritual maturity is shown not in how much freedom we claim, but in how wisely we use it.
In our daily lives, we often face situations where we can insist on our rights: the right to speak, to correct, to respond, to defend ourselves, or to pursue what pleases us. Yet Paul challenges us to think beyond ourselves. Freedom without love becomes selfishness, and knowledge without humility becomes pride. True Christian freedom is not about doing everything we can, but about choosing what builds peace, faith, and unity.
Our words especially carry great power. A word spoken in freedom can heal, but it can also wound. A comment made “honestly” can still destroy a fragile heart. Paul’s message urges us to examine not only what we say, but why we say it and what it produces in others. If our words do not edify, comfort, correct in love, or bring people closer to Christ, then even if they are true, they may not be beneficial.
This does not mean we must be silent or passive. Paul is not calling us to fear or hypocrisy. Rather, he calls us to discernment. Discernment asks: Is this the right moment? Is this the right tone? Is this for God’s glory or for my ego? When love guides freedom, our actions—even imperfect ones—become instruments of grace.
The devotion of this verse also reminds us to be patient with ourselves and with others. Not everything we do will be perfect, and not everything others do will meet our expectations. Growth in Christ is a process. What matters is not perfection, but direction—are we moving toward love, humility, and responsibility?
Ultimately, Paul points us to Christ Himself. Jesus had all authority and all freedom, yet He chose the path of self-giving love. He did not insist on His rights but laid them down for the salvation of many. In Him, we learn that the highest expression of freedom is love that builds others up.
As we meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:23, let us ask God to shape our hearts so that our freedom becomes a blessing, our words become life-giving, and our actions—even when imperfect—become constructive. May we live not only by what is allowed, but by what is beneficial, for the glory of God and the good of others.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to use our freedom wisely. Guard our words, guide our actions, and help us choose love over self-interest. May everything we do build others up and reflect Your grace. Amen.
The Most Rev Gilbert Rateloson
Primate of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean
