True Freedom

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Romans 14:20-23
+
True Freedom
Paul continues to deal specifically with first-century controversial issues among Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul knows all foods are clean, but flaunting his freedoms will give offense in the presence of Jewish Christians who still observe Old Testament food laws. In a similar manner, we should not engage in behaviors that would cause other believers to stumble in their faith. When we commit actions against our own Spirit-informed Christian conscience, we sin. Freedom in Christ is not simply freedom from the Law, but freedom given for a purpose, to serve others in love. God’s kingdom has been given to us through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit. His cross has truly made us free. May we never fail to give thanks for the freedom God has given us in the kingdom of His Son, Jesus. May we enjoy our freedom by using it to serve others.