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) 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.(C) But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.(D) 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.(E) Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.(F) 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.(G) 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,(H) but of righteousness, peace(I) and joy in the Holy Spirit,(J) 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.(K)

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace(L) and to mutual edification.(M) 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.(N) All food is clean,(O) but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.(P) 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.(Q)

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The Law of Love

13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another.(A) Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.(B) 14 (I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself.(C) Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean.(D)) 15 For if your brother is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love.(E) Do not destroy that one Christ died for by what you eat.(F) 16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered,(G) 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,(H) but righteousness, peace, and joy(I) in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ(J) in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men.(K)

19 So then, we must pursue what promotes peace(L) and what builds up one another.(M) 20 Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong for a man to cause stumbling by what he eats.(N) 21 It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 14:21 Other mss add or offended or weakened