6 March 2026
“Do not tear down God’s work because of food.” Mark Penrith let that warning land with weight. Paul writes, “Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats” Romans 14:20. The issue in Rome was not really food. It was love. Mark said plainly, “Do not tear down. Destroy. Demolish. God’s work.” A brother with a tender conscience is not a nuisance. He is the workmanship of God.
Paul repeats the principle with clarity. “It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble” Romans 14:21. Mark explained the heart behind it, “If it causes your brother or sister stumble, it is not worth it.” The freedom may be real. The action may be permissible. Yet love asks a deeper question. Will this harm the faith of someone Christ purchased. Liberty without love becomes cruelty.
The reason is rooted in the cross. Mark spoke with solemn force, “To flaunt your liberty before a weak brother is to tear down God’s work.” Then he asked a piercing question, “Christ purchased that man with His own blood. His own blood. And you will demolish him over a pork chop?” The cross reframes everything. That believer with a different conviction is someone for whom Christ died. To wound him carelessly is to treat lightly the price of redemption.
So think of someone whose conscience differs from yours. Do not dismiss them. Pray for them. When you are together, adjust your behaviour if needed. Mark said, “The same idea is found in Leviticus 19:14. Do not put a stumbling block in front of the blind.” Flaunting liberty before a tender conscience is like tripping a blind man. It is cruel. It is unworthy of the gospel.
Teach your children this truth as well. Mocking someone’s convictions is not strength. It is immaturity. True strength loves. True maturity builds. And true freedom gladly limits itself for the good of another.
Lord, help me remember the price You paid for my brother. Guard me from pride and careless freedom. Teach me to build up what You have purchased with the blood of Christ. Amen.