Romans 14:13–19 (ESV)
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 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. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in
itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken
of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and
for mutual upbuilding.
It seems that people would rather criticize people who are different than to smile and build them up. We should not criticize those who do things that are neither commanded by God,
nor forbidden. We also should not be stumbling blocks to those who struggle with issues. While we may have the freedom to do so, we need not do things that bring harm on our brothers. Instead, we should pursue what makes for peace and
for mutual upbuilding.
I pray: O Lord, help me to exercise my freedom in a way that builds people up, instead of tearing them down. Forgive me Lord. Amen.