Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
The verse requires Christians to weigh the influence of their words and actions on others and to put no obstacle or offense in the way of Jews, Gentiles, or the church of God. Whatever is done, whether eating or drinking or anything else, is to be done to the glory of God. This means adapting conduct, service, and work to the varied needs of different people and circumstances, rather than insisting on exact rules, seeking personal advantage, or pleasing oneself. The aim in so adapting is to do others good so that they may be saved.
Even what is innocent in itself must be avoided if doing it would seem to sanction idolatry or trouble the conscience and scruples of those weak in faith. The warning applies to all time and especially to the present day, because idolatry includes not only the worship of idols but self-serving, love of ease, and gratification of appetite and passion. In eating and diet reform this requires common sense that avoids offending others by criticism or pressure. No one is to be criticized because his practice is not in all respects like another's, no unvarying rule is to be made to regulate everyone's habits, and no one is to make himself the standard for all.
Instead the subject is to be studied broadly and deeply with recognition that not all can eat the same things. Foods palatable and wholesome to one person, such as milk, peas and beans, and coarser grain preparations, may be distasteful, harmful, or indigestible to another. For a tempted and tried believer the verse counsels fixing the eyes on Christ, finding rest in him, and remaining steadfast, unmovable, watchful, strong in faith, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
The verse requires Christians to weigh the influence of their words and actions on others and to put no obstacle or offense in the way of Jews, Gentiles, or the church of God. Whatever is done, whether eating or drinking or anything else, is to be done to the glory of God. This means adapting conduct, service, and work to the varied needs of different people and circumstances, rather than insisting on exact rules, seeking personal advantage, or pleasing oneself. The aim in so adapting is to do others good so that they may be saved.
Even what is innocent in itself must be avoided if doing it would seem to sanction idolatry or trouble the conscience and scruples of those weak in faith. The warning applies to all time and especially to the present day, because idolatry includes not only the worship of idols but self-serving, love of ease, and gratification of appetite and passion. In eating and diet reform this requires common sense that avoids offending others by criticism or pressure. No one is to be criticized because his practice is not in all respects like another's, no unvarying rule is to be made to regulate everyone's habits, and no one is to make himself the standard for all.
Instead the subject is to be studied broadly and deeply with recognition that not all can eat the same things. Foods palatable and wholesome to one person, such as milk, peas and beans, and coarser grain preparations, may be distasteful, harmful, or indigestible to another. For a tempted and tried believer the verse counsels fixing the eyes on Christ, finding rest in him, and remaining steadfast, unmovable, watchful, strong in faith, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.