Note 13 at 1Co 8:8: Paul was putting this issue into perspective for the Corinthian believers (see note 4 at 1Co 8:1). What they are was not a pivotal issue. The Corinthians wouldn't be any better off if they did eat, and they wouldn't be any worse off if they didn't eat. This battle was not worth the potential loss.

Likewise today, we fight matters of principle over issues that are unimportant. We need to choose our battles wisely, thinking through the consequences. While there are times that fighting for principle is the proper thing to do, there are also times that we might win a battle over principle yet lose the war for people's hearts.