Definition: But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Corinthians 8:8. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse, but I’ll explain it in simple terms. Here’s what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse is about food and its impact on our relationship with God. It's essentially saying that eating meat doesn't inherently make us better people – or more pleasing to God – and not eating meat doesn’t necessarily make us worse. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But meat commendeth us not to God…” This is the key part. "Commendeth" means "to praise" or "to admire." Meat isn't being praised by God in this context. It's saying that God doesn’t want us to glorify or celebrate eating meat. “For neither, if we eat, are we the better…” This is a crucial point. If we do eat meat, it doesn’t make us better people. We still have our flaws and weaknesses. “…neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.” This is where the key difference lies. If we don't eat meat, it doesn't make us inherently worse. In fact, it might even be beneficial! It suggests that a healthy lifestyle – including abstaining from unhealthy foods – can actually help us grow in our faith and become better people. So, the overall message is about balance and moderation. It’s encouraging us to think critically about what we eat and how it affects our relationship with God. Why is this important? The verse was written by Paul, a passionate apostle, and he's addressing a concern about the potential for some people to misuse or prioritize meat consumption over their spiritual life. It’s a reminder that true goodness comes from within – from faith, love, and righteousness, not just from our food choices. In short, this verse is urging us to focus on what truly matters – our relationship with God – and to make thoughtful decisions about our diet. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Give some examples of how this principle applies to everyday life? Discuss the context of the verse (like when it was written)?