Romans 14:13-21

Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Law of Love

¹³ Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another.^(A) Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.^{(B) 14} (I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself.^(C) Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean.^(D)) ¹⁵ For if your brother is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love.^(E) Do not destroy that one Christ died for by what you eat.^{(F) 16} Therefore, do not let your good be slandered,^{(G) 17} for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,^(H) but righteousness, peace, and joy^(I) in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ Whoever serves Christ^(J) in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men.^(K)

¹⁹ So then, we must pursue what promotes peace^(L) and what builds up one another.^{(M) 20} Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong for a man to cause stumbling by what he eats.^{(N) 21} It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.^[a]