²⁹ I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom^(A) being judged by another’s conscience?

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹ Though I am free^(A) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,^(B) to win as many as possible.^(C)

¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.^(A) Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.^{(B) 16} Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.^{(C) 17} For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,^(D) but of righteousness, peace^(E) and joy in the Holy Spirit,^{(F) 18} because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.^(G)

¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace^(H) and to mutual edification.^{(I) 20} Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.^(J) All food is clean,^(K) but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.^{(L) 21} It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.^(M)

²¹ For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.^(A)

³² Do not cause anyone to stumble,^(A) whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God^(B)—