There are so many beliefs, traditions, and practices that eventually we’ll find ourselves debating or offending others because of our differences.
Some of these differences are non-negotiable. For instance, we believe Jesus is the only way to receive eternal life; therefore, there is no compromise in that area.
On the other hand, there are some differences that we are better off letting others win at if there were ever a debate.
Jesus showed this when the question came up about whether or not he paid the temple tax.
Demonstrating that as a child of God he was exempted, he asked Peter, “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” (Matthew 17:25 NIV).
The answer being others and not their children, Jesus went on to say:
“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours” (Matthew 17:27 NIV).
Rather than trigger an argument or offend, Jesus simply agreed to pay.
In other words, it wasn’t that serious.
We see Paul teaching a similar thing in Romans 14. After explaining that we should avoid quarreling over disputable matters, using the example of food, he went on to say:
“If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died” (Romans 14:15).
Essentially, though you may believe there is nothing wrong with eating a certain thing, out of love, avoid doing it in the presence of another believer who disagrees.
So, like Jesus, in the areas you can, do what’s necessary so that you don’t offend.
The Wise Believer favors peace, and if that means letting another have their way over something trivial, they do.
