Romans 14

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (v19).  Paul continued to urge believers on toward maturity.  Securing our own “rights” and living within our standard of morality are not the end goal; our lives are about glorifying Jesus Christ and actively blessing others.  Within reason, we are free to eat and drink what we like and follow our conscience in gray areas (v14), but if those things divide us from each other or cause hurt and confusion, we are not pursuing love (v20). 

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (v17).