¹³ Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way. ¹⁴ I know and am convinced [as one] in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean [ritually defiled, and unholy] in itself; but [nonetheless] it is unclean to anyone who thinks it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother is being hurt or offended because of food [that you insist on eating], you are no longer walking in love [toward him]. Do not let what you eat destroy and spiritually harm one for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what is a good thing for you [because of your freedom to choose] be spoken of as evil [by someone else]; ¹⁷ for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [what one likes], but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ For the one who serves Christ in this way [recognizing that food choice is secondary] is acceptable to God and is approved by men. ¹⁹ So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth]. ²⁰ Do not, for the sake of food, tear down the work of God. All things indeed are [ceremonially] clean, but they are wrong for the person who eats and offends [another’s conscience in the process]. ²¹ It is good [to do the right thing and] not eat meat or drink wine, or do anything that offends your brother and weakens him spiritually.