23rd June, 2025

A Fountain Publication

Lodestar Logo - Compass and Star

The Lodestar

Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian

Devotional

Eating with Sensitivity and Grace

"Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats" (Rom 14:20).

By Paulson Pulikottil

I once asked a Christian believer from another religious community whether she was a vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Her reply, "Not yet," was shocking. She might have thought that to be "a full Christian," one must be a non-vegetarian, and she is trying to be one.

According to common perception, most Hindus are vegetarian, and most Christians are non-vegetarian. Since Jesus declared that all food is clean (Mark 7:19), including food that his community (Jews) considered unclean, many Christian believers think that they may eat all that they choose to: meat, vegetables, and what other communities feel unclean.

Paul taught that Christian believers may have meat offered in the temple and later sold at the markets in Corinth (1 Cor 8:1-13).

However, in both the epistles to the Romans and Corinthians, Paul lays down one condition: Though no food may be contaminated, all are permissible, and we should be sensitive to others, particularly those new in Christ.

Vegetarians who are new believers in Christ may be offended by watching a Christian consuming meat. They are the "works of God," redeemed by Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and growing. However, like any young sapling that needs tender care, young disciples of Christ must also be cared for sensitively.

Food choices should allow everyone to grow in Christ. It is wise not to order food that co-passengers may dislike or while sharing a table at the restaurant.

Some may feel it as a sacrifice, but watching what we eat, not for their calories alone, is a Christian duty to care for those taking baby steps in faith.

As you share meals with others, remember that every table is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Choose sensitivity over preference, and let your food habits build up, not burden, those growing in faith around you. Let grace season both your words and your choices.

(To receive these devotionals daily on WhatsApp, click here.)

Share this Article

Advertisements

Advertisement
Advertisement

Explore More on The Lodestar

coverImage for Beyond Ritual: Why Only Jesus Saves
Views

Beyond Ritual: Why Only Jesus Saves

Religion offers structure, but it can’t save. True salvation comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This blog explores why faith in Him—not rituals or rules—is the heart of the...

Read More Icon
Read More
coverImage for Blueprint of Trust: Letting Go to Let God
Faith

Blueprint of Trust: Letting Go to Let God

Trusting God sounds simple—but living it daily can feel like a battle between what we know and what we believe. This blog unpacks Proverbs 3:5–6, offering practical insights to help you surrender,...

Read More Icon
Read More
coverImage for The Quiet Strength of Fathers
Faith

The Quiet Strength of Fathers

In a world that often overlooks quiet strength, fathers remain the unseen pillars holding families together. This Father’s Day let us pause to honour their silent sacrifices, steady presence, and...

Read More Icon
Read More

Subscribe to our free weekly digest.

Join hundreds of others who have subscribed to our free weekly digest for inspiring news, faith, community, family, opinion, and culture content. Stay connected and nurture your spiritual growth with thought-provoking articles delivered straight to your inbox.


Join our growing community of readers today.