13 So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and I’m convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is wrong to eat in itself. But if someone thinks something is wrong to eat, it becomes wrong for that person. 15 If your brother or sister is upset by your food, you are no longer walking in love. Don’t let your food destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 And don’t let something you consider to be good be criticized as wrong. 17 God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.18 Whoever serves Christ this way pleases God and gets human approval. 19 So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. 20 Don’t destroy what God has done because of food. All food is acceptable, but it’s a bad thing if it trips someone else. 21 It’s a good thing not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that trips your brother or sister. 22 Keep the belief that you have to yourself—it’s between you and God. People are blessed who don’t convict themselves by the things they approve. 23 But those who have doubts are convicted if they go ahead and eat, because they aren’t acting on the basis of faith. Everything that isn’t based on faith is sin.
We who are powerful need to be patient with the weakness of those who don’t have power, and not please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good in order to build them up. (Romans 14:13–15:2, CEB)
If someone is doing something you think is wrong but is giving them joy, keep it to yourself. If you don’t think it is good, then don’t do it, but let them have their joy and do not force your views on someone else.
That is what I read when I read these words from Paul to the Romans.
If you think it wrong to eat meat, then don’t eat meat but don’t make a spectacle out of it. Let others eat meat if that is what brings them joy.
We think this following God is about rules we have to follow and all be the same. God didn’t create us to be the same, God created each of us unique, and special, so we will not all do the same things or act in the same way. And to think that we will is putting God in a box.
Do everything in faith to the way that God has made you!
aSacredRebel 