Romans 14:16-23

16: Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;
17: for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18: For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19: So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
20: Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.
21: It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.
22: The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

23: But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

*** 

If you, in a clear conscience, have the freedom to eat all things, then enjoy that freedom unless it causes your brother to stumble. Don’t flaunt your freedom to eat in front of him who has doubts about eating. Paul said all things are indeed clean—we do have freedom in Christ not have to follow prior dietary restrictions. In Paul’s opinion, we also have the freedom to eat food offered to idols if we understand that an idol has no power and is not a god. However, if it causes your brother to stumble then it’s wrong to partake of that freedom.

You as the "stronger one" should restrict yourself in these areas and pursue peace instead. The kingdom of God is not about demanding we be able to enjoy all the rights and privileges of the kingdom, but about considering one another in love.

Be happy when you are able to enjoy your freedom, but if one who doubts something is acceptable to God goes ahead and does it just because you do, then he sins. Don’t assist your brother in sinning just because you want to enjoy a privilege.


See also 1 Corinthians 8

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