³ The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt^(A) the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge^(B) the one who does, for God has accepted them.

¹⁰ You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister^[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt?^(A) For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.^(B)

Freedom From Human Rules

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you^(A) by what you eat or drink,^(B) or with regard to a religious festival,^(C) a New Moon celebration^(D) or a Sabbath day.^{(E) 17} These are a shadow of the things that were to come;^(F) the reality, however, is found in Christ.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness^(A) and looked down on everyone else,^(B) Jesus told this parable:

²⁹ I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom^(A) being judged by another’s conscience? ³⁰ If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?^(B)

¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment^(A) on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.^(B)

³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism^(A)

¹¹ So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed^(A) by your knowledge. ¹² When you sin against them^(B) in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.^{(C) 13} Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.^(D)

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.^(A)