If what you consider your right was hurting a fellow Christian, would you give it up? Or would you insist on it because it is your right? That may determine how mature you are in Christ.

For example, let’s say you enjoy watching certain types of movies such as war movies. And you want to go see a war movie with some friends. But one of them thinks it’s wrong for Christians to watch violent movies even if it’s a depiction of reality. Would you refrain from watching that movie as not to violate that brother’s conscience? Or would you think, “Well, that’s his problem. If he doesn’t want to watch it, then he can just not come. I’m watching it anyway…”

Love dictates that we give up our right for the sake of our brother or sister. I know that sounds very unAmerican – we never give up our rights. But it’s Christian. Christ willingly gave up His right, leaving His Father’s throne above, to rescue us from sin.

“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” Romans 14:21

Of course, there is a limit to this “love” test. We do not give up our right to proclaim the word of God even if our life is at stake. However, there are many “negotiable” things that are simply our preferences that we should be willing to give up for the sake of others.

But this is impossible to (because we don’t want to do it) unless we are soaked in the love of Christ. We will naturally insist our rights. That is what the world does and so will we when we are not changed by the love of Christ.

If you do not regularly give up your rights (time, money, movie preference, music preference, etc) for the sake of others, then you do not sufficiently understand what Christ has done for you. Go to Him until your heart melts and you become willing.
PH