Food and community

Good morning friends,
Here Paul is discussing the importance of supporting our brothers and sisters in community. Paul felt that Jewish purity laws about food didn't bind Christians, but he also knew that this was a touchy subject for some people. If someone felt that eating impure food was against God's law, then for them eating that food would be harmful. Paul encourages his readers to consider how their actions might affect others. We are free, but we're also responsible to make sure our freedom doesn't hurt other people's faith.

God bless,
Sam

Romans 14:10-17
10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God. 13Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. 14I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. 16So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.