“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.” – Romans 14:21
The New Testament is very clear that followers of Jesus have enormous freedom to eat or drink just about anything (as long as it isn’t visibly offered to idols, wasn’t strangled, doesn’t contain blood, etc). Likewise, we have wonderful freedom to engage in a variety of habits that aren’t explicitly forbidden by the Bible as long as they don’t turn into sinful idolatry that taints our minds or controls our hearts. However, many Christians don’t feel that they have such freedom. As a mature follower of Jesus, you need to respect that and not fight about it with them!!!
They may come from cultures that forbid certain things about which the Bible is silent. They may have a personal background that leads them to abstain from certain things. In their studies of the Old Testament, they may have concluded that some rules from the Law make sense or apply to them. Or they may come from a Christian background that added rules about food, drink, dress, and conduct beyond what the Scriptures require. As a Christian, your job is NOT to correct them by flaunting their standards!
It’s OK to gently share from Scripture why you believe differently. It can be helpful to lovingly point believers toward the freedom they have in Christ. NEVER use your freedom in a way that will hurt them spiritually. Don’t throw your freedom in their face. For the sake of their spiritual well-being, it is better for you to respect their rules and boundaries when you are with them. If they have concluded they cannot drink alcohol and you believe differently, don’t drink in front of them. If they have concluded they cannot smoke and you believe differently, don’t smoke in their presence. Likewise for matters of dress and conduct. Your temporary enjoyment of your freedom is not worth spiritual harm to a fellow believer.
This requires a sacrifice of your freedom, but it is one you should willingly make because Jesus sacrificed for you. #FollowJesus