8. If we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is for the Lord that we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
9. For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and of the dead.
10. You then, who eat only vegetables — why do you pass judgement on others? And you who eat anything — why do you despise other believers? All of us will stand before God to be judged by him.
11. For the scripture says:“As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord,everyone will kneel before me,and everyone will confess that I am God.”
12. Every one of us, then, will have to give an account of ourselves to God.
13. So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make another stumble or fall into sin.
14. My union with the Lord Jesus makes me certain that no food is of itself ritually unclean; but if a person believes that some food is unclean, then it becomes unclean for that person.
15. If you hurt your brother or sister because of something you eat, then you are no longer acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom Christ died!
16. Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name.
17. For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
18. And when people serve Christ in this way, they please God and are approved by others.