29-30 But, except for these special cases, I’m not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I’m going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!

31-33 So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you’re eating to God’s glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. At the same time, don’t be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren’t as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $20.00 (67%)
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $9.69
Save: $5.30 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
Retail: $16.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $3.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message for Graduates
The Message for Graduates
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $9.69
Save: $3.30 (25%)
The Message Student Bible - eBook
The Message Student Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $32.49
Save: $17.50 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars