What are matters of lesser importance, matters of flexibility? Foods and days. For example, in Corinth difficult questions were made worse by immature, loveless attitudes. The problem was this: Jesus had declared all food to be “clean”—acceptable to be eaten (Mark 7:19). Some Corinthian and Roman Christians, knowing this fact, ate freely. They thought their superior knowledge made them “strong.” They looked down on “weak” Christians who still thought of idols as real beings. The “weak” were surprised to watch “strong” brethren eating meat previously offered to idols, which, they thought, amounted to idol worship. Emboldened by such shocking displays of “freedom,” the “weak” also ate, violating their consciences.
Paul acknowledged the technically correct position. But he also pointed out that no one really needed to eat questionable meat. So, he urged “strong” brethren to prioritize love over pride in their “knowledge,” and to give up their rights for the sake of harmony (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:1-7).
This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. … Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak … . Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble 1 Corinthians 8:1, 8-9, 12-13).
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. … Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. … If your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. … For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:1, 13, 15, 17).
God’s kingdom is not about food, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit.
What to eat, what day to honor, these earthly issues are less relevant in the spiritual kingdom. Love and a clear conscience are top priorities (1 Timothy 1:5). Therefore, the apostolic teaching is simple: Loving consideration for consciences should guide in handling issues that within themselves matter very little but that can be divisive.
Despite this simplicity, some turn 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14 against unity. They cry, “I must have my way because I have a sensitive conscience.” Others, rejecting some of Scripture’s clearest teachings, label them as “divisive opinions” on a level with disagreements about foods. Thus, they ignore the clear will of “one Lord” and undermine the unity of “one body.”
The ignorant and unstable twist [the Scriptures] to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).