Giving up Rights

Paul consistently teaches that Christians should be willing to give up their personal rights and freedoms for the good of others and for the spread of the good news about Jesus. He does not command Christians to defend their rights. Instead, he often urges them not to insist on them, especially within the Christian community (Romans 14:13–23; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13; 10:23–33).

At the same time, Paul recognizes that there are situations in which believers may appropriately use their legal rights. This is especially true in dealings with civil authorities (Acts 16:37–39; 22:25–29; 25:11).

Paul, like Jesus, views loving others as a key principle in life (Romans 13:8–10; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; Galatians 5:6; see Matthew 5:43–44; 22:36–39). True Christian love is always sacrificial, like Christ’s love (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Christians should focus on what is best for others, not themselves (1 Corinthians 10:32–33). Christ's sacrificial death for sinners shows the nature of true love (Romans 5:6–8; 15:1–5; 1 John 4:9–12). A Christian’s life should express Christ’s sacrificial love. This is challenging because it requires people to deny their own desires (see Mark 8:34–35).

Passages for Further Study

Matthew 5:38–48; 16:24–27; 22:37–39; Romans 5:6–8; 13:8–10; 14:15–22; 15:1–5; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13; 9:1–23; 10:23–24, 31–33; 13:4–7; Galatians 5:6; Philippians 2:3–4; 2 Timothy 2:9–13; Hebrews 11:24–26; 1 John 4:9–12