Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
24 Aug 2026

“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬ ‭

About 35 years ago, I was attending a birthday dinner for a lawyer friend. Seated at our table were several guests, including a Muslim gentleman named Mr. Syed. We were enjoying the evening together when the third dish arrived—a whole roasted piglet.

I still remember Syed’s expression. His eyes were immediately drawn to the face of the piglet, and for a moment, there was unmistakable disbelief. The dish was clearly contrary to his religious convictions and dietary laws. Yet Syed did not create a scene. He did not condemn the host or make others feel uncomfortable. He simply chose not to partake of the dish while continuing to engage warmly with everyone around the table. The food did not become more important than the friendship. That moment left a lasting impression on me 

Romans 14 addresses disagreements among believers over matters such as food and observance of special days. Paul’s concern is not that convictions do not matter. They do. But our convictions should never become an excuse to despise, judge or wound another person.

Paul reminds us that food is temporary, but people matter deeply to God. We must therefore be careful not to allow something as ordinary as what we eat—or do not eat—to become a barrier that damages relationships.

This principle extends beyond the church. We live among people of different cultures, traditions and faiths. Our differences are real and should be respected, not ignored. Yet we can hold firmly to our convictions while still treating others with dignity, kindness and honour.

That evening, Syed did not compromise his beliefs. He simply refused to allow a difference over food to destroy the fellowship.

Perhaps that is the lesson I still carry today: Conviction does not require condemnation. We can remain faithful to what we believe while extending grace to those who believe differently.

And sometimes, choosing peace around a dinner table can become a quiet but powerful testimony of grace.

 “Conviction does not require condemnation. We can remain faithful to what we believe while extending grace to those who believe differently.”‬‬