17. There is one loaf of bread, so we who are many are one body, because we all share in that one loaf.
18. And think about what the people of Israel do. When they eat the sacrifices, they are united by sharing what was offered on the altar.
19. So, am I saying that sacrifices to idols are the same as those Jewish sacrifices? No, because an idol is nothing, and the things offered to idols are worth nothing.
20. But I am saying that when food is sacrificed to idols, it is an offering to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to share anything with demons.
21. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and then go drink a cup that honors demons. You cannot share a meal at the Lord’s table and then go share a meal that honors demons.
22. Doing that would make the Lord jealous. Do you really want to do that? Do you think we are stronger than he is?
23. “All things are allowed,” you say. But not all things are good. “All things are allowed.” But some things don’t help anyone.
24. Try to do what is good for others, not just what is good for yourselves.
25. Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Don’t ask questions about it to see if it is something you think is wrong to eat.
26. You can eat it, “because the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.”
27. Someone who is not a believer might invite you to eat with them. If you want to go, then eat anything that is put before you. Don’t ask questions to see if it is something you think is wrong to eat.
28. But if someone tells you, “That food was offered to idols,” then don’t eat it. That’s because some people think it is wrong, and it might cause a problem for the person who told you that.
29. I don’t mean that you think it is wrong. But the other person might think it is wrong. That’s the only reason not to eat it. My own freedom should not be judged by what another person thinks.
30. I eat the meal with thankfulness. So I don’t want to be criticized because of something I thank God for.