Romans 14:14 (NLT)

“I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.”

Paul was convinced that no food of itself was wrong to eat, and based on that conviction, he could eat anything. Note that this conviction was not by a mere wishful assumption but he actually was convinced that his conviction was “on the authority of the Lord Jesus.” But he did not make a doctrine out of this conviction because he knew that this conviction he had received from the Lord, was not central to salvation, redemption and consecration. He knew that while he believed it was from God, God had not said it was a requirement for everyone.

Balance your convictions. Know what convictions God has given you for yourself and what instructions God has given you for the general Church. Not all convictions can be applied to others. Forcing your personal God-given convictions on others is a violation of their spiritual convictions, and it is therefore sin. Some instructions are for all, and we need discernment to know which are thus meant for everyone; but don’t naturally translate your personal convictions as a God mandate for everyone else. “If someone believes it is wrong, then for that person, it is wrong.” Give people space to differ in their convictions, so long as the difference do not fall on the core foundations of central Christian doctrines.

“Lord, I know I can be passionate and forceful. Help me discern areas that do not need me to insist. May I know what instructions are meant for only my consumption and what instructions are meant for everyone. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”