Therefore, let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13

Have you ever met someone who is so legalistic that they expect everyone to live in the same narrow confines as they do? When you think of someone who is extremely legalistic, does the joy of the Lord come into your mind? Or the dour expression of disapproval? I have wrestled with this verse because it makes me feel like I am required to live by the standards and beliefs of others. This will wind me into a box so tiny and suffocating that I will likely die. What does this mean then? It would be my interpretation that we do not do things in FRONT of people that they consider wrong. If we are eating with a 7th-Day Adventist, why not order a vegetarian meal? Fetticini Alfredo would be a good alternative for one evening. If we are eating with people who don't approve of alcohol, maybe we shouldn't order a glass of wine. If we are invited to lunch with a kosher Jew, or Messianic Jew who keeps kosher, allow them to select the restaurant so they can eat in faith and you can order what you like. My interpretation of this is that God wants us to respect each other, which is a form of love. We do not have to agree that alcohol is sin, but we don't need to drink in front of those Christians that do. In our individualistic society, everyone wants people to respect them. Perhaps we can begin to teach respect by respecting others, even if we don't agree.

I agree totally! Wasn't it Paul who said he tried to find as much common ground with people as possible so they would listen to him & he could lead them to Christ?