For one thing, a Christian’s eating and drinking should not injure the conscience of others and provide an occasion for stumbling. In some areas, for example, people look down upon those who eat certain meats or who partake of any alcoholic beverage. The Christian should not completely ignore the conscientious scruples of the community in which he lives. He should also be very considerate of the conscientious scruples of fellow believers. He would not want to make it more difficult for others to accept true worship or to maintain faithfulness to God. That is why the apostle Paul recommended: “It is well not to eat flesh or to drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles.”​—Rom. 14:21.

By restraining himself from doing what he has a right to do in this matter, a Christian glorifies God. How? He displays love and deep concern for fellowmen, seeking, not his own advantage, but theirs. (1 Cor. 10:24) He demonstrates that, in harmony with God’s purpose, his whole life centers around helping others to gain divine approval.

However, if an informed Christian abstains for the time being in order not to stumble or offend the conscience of a person who feels bound by such dietary rules, he is doing a considerate thing and is looking for the liberating and salvation of a rule-bound person.​—1 Cor. 9:19.