We continue our reflection on God’s call to us through the ELCA’s “60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence.”
DAY 24: Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: “I will not be dominated”
“‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
When the apostle Paul responds to his fellow believers about how to consider rules, traditions, and norms in social and public contexts, he speaks to us today as individuals and as a publicly engaged church.
Paul’s teachings are especially relevant in our discussions about guns, gun violence, and laws as we—followers of Christ—reflect on the meaning and implications of freedom, liberty, rights, culture, self-sacrifice, and care for one another.
• How does Scripture enter into and influence your thinking, conversations, and public actions related to guns and violence in our society?
• When is it difficult or awkward to honor the word of God amid this complex and divisive public discourse?
• What or who gives you hope and encouragement for being a persistent, bold witness and advocate?