1 Corinthians 10:30
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
1 Corinthians 10:30
Here Paul addresses a potential misperception: if partaking of food causes others to praise God, then why grieve if it leads to thanksgiving? The Greek nuance ties “partaker” with “grace” and “thanks,” suggesting that the act is morally neutral in itself; what matters is grace and thanksgiving expressed through it. The setting continues Paul’s discussion of eating meals offered to idols and the communal implications. The verse asks believers to consider how their actions reflect God’s generosity and whether gratitude turns a neutral act into a vehicle for praise. The central issue is not legalistic observance but the impact of one’s choices on Godward gratitude and the church’s witness.
This verse anchors freedom in thanksgiving: if you partake and give thanks to God, you participate in God’s grace being reflected back to Him. It also safeguards against slander: no matter the action, if it brings praise to God, it can be morally justified. The phrase “for Iby grace be a partaker” emphasizes the gift-laden nature of Christian life; gratitude becomes spiritual fuel. It also teaches that the motive behind actions matters; thanksgiving reveals trust in God as the source of all good.
In daily life, this can translate to meals with coworkers where you give thanks publicly or quietly for provision, letting your attitude model grace rather than controversy. If someone misreads your gratitude as endorsement of a practice they oppose, you can gently clarify that your thanks are to God for His provision, not approval of any idol-based ritual. It’s about maintaining a posture of gratitude that shines as a witness to God’s generosity, while not sacrificing relational peace.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 6:20; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 1:17; Romans 14:6