A Matter of Eating and Drinking? - Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun

𝐈𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.

Paul tried to break down the walls between people of different ethnic origin. He says, in spite of differences, we are to honour God.

Some Christians show their faith if they abstain from meat and wine. Other Christians have a fuller knowledge and understanding of God and his creation and are able to embrace that creation and honour God by eating and drinking. They are no worse off if they do not eat and no better off if they do.

What is important is that each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. If they think that something does not honour God, if they cannot give thanks to God for it, then they should go for something else.

Secondly, in spite of differences, build each other up. Paul says let us not pass judgment on one another any longer. He says never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister. Instead, let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up even as we differ. Paul uses the example of Christ, who did not please Himself, but gave Himself for us.

Lastly, in spite of differences, we worship together. Then it shows everyone that we are not worshipping something we made up, but we are worshipping the one true God for all the world.