Freedom in Christ

Most of us are well aware of "our rights". It seems to me that after years of feeling suppressed by legalistic expectations, many believers today are acutely aware of their freedom in Christ even to the point of "flaunting" those freedoms. Paul's words in Romans 14 are a good reminder that not everyone shares the same freedom in "what they eat, drink, or in what days they observe. Paul's admonition is NOT, "just do whatever God gives you freedom to do and don't worry about others." Paul says, "...determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way...pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (Ro.14:13,19). If I love other believers I willingly limit the exercise of my freedoms for their sake. Just because we have the freedom to go certain places, drink certain beverages, engage in certain activities on a certain day as a believer doesn't mean that we should. Paul is clear that if the exercise of my freedom hurts a brother/sister in Christ then I am "no longer walking according to love" (Ro.14:15). If I need to forsake my Liberty for the sake of Love that is what God has called me to.