Romans 14:15

During these times, it was common to eat food that was sacrificed to idols. Paul in 1 Corinthians 8 tells us that eating or not eating will not bring us closer to God but for the sake of our brothers, it’s better not to participate in eating such food, if we knew that such food will stumble our brothers. Paul before this verse addresses our liberties that we have in Christ. In verse 14, he says, “I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean to him it is unclean.”

As Christians, we have many liberties. We are free to eat and drink what we want. Paul gives us sort of an assessment test. “Is what I’m eating or drinking causing any grief or tension among my brothers?” If you know that it is, and do it anyways because of your freedom, then you are no longer walking in love. For example, don’t bring a box of Ding Dongs home when you know your wife is dieting. Probably a poor example, but the point is the same. Walk in love and don’t let your food be what takes your brother out. In other words, don’t undo what Christ has already done.

Walking in love.

Joshua Navarro