Romans 14:13-23

Romans 14:13-23 NIV
 ¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

Here is where we as mature Christians are encouraged to freely give up our "rights" for the betterment of out weaker brothers.  I have found it odd that the greatest resistance I've received when I given up something is from fellow Christians.  As if they are so bound by what they actually get upset when another decides to stop.

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

I remember my college days the big battle was over Christian music.  Entire books were written of the evil of modern Christian music.  Yet today that very music is played in many churches as the norm.  Nothing is in itself evil.  Things are neutral.  They can be used for good or for evil.  The trick is you must find that balancing act between exercising your freedom in Christ AND not being a stumbling block for your brother.  It's not always easy, but you need to prayerfully find that balance.

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

Mutual edification.  Where does the responsibility lie?  With the reader.  Me in this case and you in your case.  It is better to give up your "right" than to destroy the work of God.  One day we will stand before God and give an account.  I don't want to have God say, "You destroyed the faith of  ......... because you thought your .......... was too important to give up."

 ²² So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Verse 23 is the kicker.  You do not know if something is right to do than don' t do it.  All our actions and activities need to come form faith and be motivated by love for our fellow believers.  I'm not there yet, but God is still working on me.

God Bless.