MAKING OTHERS STUMBLE AND FALL

 

Romans 14:13-16  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. (NIV)
 

---

You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

---

Destructive criticism is obviously evil: it ruins relationships and reputations. But it is just as wicked to encourage others to go against their conscience. Often it is not intentional, but thoughtless, selfish actions and words can easily break the bonds of fellowship and sear the tender conscience of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

In Rome, those believers who had no problem eating meat which had been offered to idols would have caused offence to those who believed that they should not do so. So Paul wanted them to wake up, and realise that they were not only responsible to God but also had a duty of care towards other believers. It is still the same. God does not expect us to act only as individuals, but also as a family of God's children. We have responsibility to think about how our actions will affect others. Failing to take them into account proves that we do not really love them.
 
The workplace allows little room for our feelings and emotional reactions; and we may be distressed by the strident opinions of others or saddened by their actions, particularly when that exerts a pressure on us to act against our conscience. When that happens in the church we need to repent, especially if what we say or do causes people to be uncertain of their faith or stumble in their confidence towards God. We must learn to think ahead and prayerfully evaluate how our actions will affect the spiritual life of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Prayer:  Gracious God. Thank You for the example of the Lord Jesus who was gentle with those whose consciences were tender towards the truth. I am sorry when I have not thought about the effect of my words and actions on others. Please help me to understand my responsibility, as one of Your children, to encourage and strengthen Your other children and not cause them to stumble. In Jesus' Name. Amen.