Romans 14:13-21 ▼

13 Therefore let us no longer judge one another; but, instead of that, you should come to this judgement--that we must not put a stumbling-block in our brother's path, nor anything to trip him up.

14 As one who lives in union with the Lord Jesus, I know and am certain that in its own nature no food is 'impure'; but if people regard any food as impure, to them it is.

15 If your brother is pained by the food you are eating, your conduct is no longer controlled by love. Take care lest, by the food you eat, you lead to ruin a man for whom Christ died.

16 Therefore do not let the boon which is yours in common be exposed to reproach.

17 For the Kingdom of God does not consist of eating and drinking, but of right conduct, peace and joy, through the Holy Spirit;

18 and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him.

19 Therefore let us aim at whatever makes for peace and mutual upbuilding of character.

20 Do not for food's sake be throwing down God's work. All food is pure; but a man is in the wrong if his food is a snare to others.

21 The right course is to forego eating meat or drinking wine or doing anything that tends to your brother's fall.