1 Corinthians 8

Love is better than knowledge because "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (v1, NIV). Though knowledge is important, it puffs us up and is something we can easily pride ourselves in. Love for God results in being known by Him (v3).

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.

(v4, NIV)

We as believers of the one true God know that there are no other gods. So, these idols are really nothing. However, eating sacrificed food is different from simply eating the food. Paul makes a point about this in chapter 10.

Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.

(1 Cor 10:19-20, NIV)

However, there is an exception to eating food sacrificed to idols. This exception is that you shouldn't eat meat sacrificed to idols if it causes your brother to stumble. Referring back to knowledge, some people don't know that idols and the meat sacrificed to them are nothing. As a result, your knowledge and right may become a stumbling block to those who are weak. It doesn't really benefit you in any way in God's eyes by eating the meat sacrificed to idols. Therefore, the choice is easy; don't eat meat sacrificed to idols if it causes your brother to stumble.

There actually is another exception found in chapter 10 regarding another person's conscience. So you choose not to eat meat sacrificed to idols for the sake of another person's conscience.

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

(1 Cor 10:24, NIV)

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

(v1, NIV)

So, we shouldn't cause a brother to stumble. By this we are showing we love them and choosing love over knowledge. Looking at chapter 10, we should not eat meat sacrificed to idols for the sake of another person's conscience. By doing this we are seeking the good of others.

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

(v13, NIV)