2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
What is that “something” inside that bothers you after you say a harsh or unkind word to someone? Or do something in the privacy of your own home that you ought not to do when nobody is around or looking? Or manufacture or embellish a story to make what you did appear to be a bit more grandiose or evil than it actually was? That was your conscience, my friend. Every single one of us has crossed that line both before and after our conversion.
Within the context of a Christian community, the subject of having a good conscience is relative to how much we love one another. Love doesn’t intentionally work ill to another person. Love takes into consideration the convictions or desires of others before doing something. “For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols … But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.” (1 Corinthians 8:10).
According to these verses, if we love one another, we are not going to intentionally say or do anything that we know is going to bother or disturb their conscience. Let me leave you with some spiritual calisthenics to put into practice today from the pen of the apostle Paul. “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” (Acts 24:16)
Let your prayer today be that you will purpose to think and act in such a way that will glorify God and reflect the love of Jesus Christ. More tomorrow. Selah
