There is a Difference
To me, conviction is something you’d give your life for; preference is something you give your life to. If the truth were told, most, if not all, divisions in the Body of Christ are over the latter. Preferences generally have much to do with the culture in which we live, the geography, etc, whereas conviction knows no boundaries; it is the same no matter where we pitch our tent, when we set up camp.
A Good Habit to Form
I think every Christian should read Romans chapter fourteen, and the first few verses in chapter fifteen, on a regular basis. It covers all those grey areas in the saint’s life. It teaches, basically, just because you can’t, for your own conscience’s sake, don’t say others shouldn't. And the one is not to condemn the other for participating or abstaining from certain things. The chapter covers diet, verse 2; days, verse 5; and drink, verse 21.
The Only Right a Saint Has is to Give Up His or Her Right
The weak brother is not to judge the stronger brother; nor the stronger to flaunt his or her liberty. If you can do something the latter cannot, keep it to yourself, verse 22. That is, if you have faith, you can indulge in a thing, but keep it hush, hush. This is not hypocrisy, it’s Bible! But if the weak believer is truly and sincerely hurt by that thing you permit in your own life, though legitimate, you are to curtail doing it.
“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
(1 Cor. 8:13)
ADDENDUM: Please note the weaker brother is the offended brother.
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