DO NOT CAUSE OTHERS TO STUMBLE

I was thinking today… about how others can affect us in a positive or negative way. As Christians in our world today it is very important to not cause anyone to stumble in their walk with Jesus. We have to be aware and careful about our attitudes, opinions and what we say.

If a fellow Christian is doing something against God then it is up to us to talk to them, so they will stay on the Jesus path, but we need to remember not to let our opinions, personal judgments and differences divide us. There is a time to speak and there is a time to hold your tongue, so that you do not offend someone or make them feel uncomfortable or judged unfairly.

There is so much in our world today that can and is dividing our world and can divide us as Christians as well. Our focus and goal is to glorify God, introduce people to Jesus and to support, encourage and lift up our fellow Christians, as well as those of us who are new to following Jesus.

I think we have all experienced times of judgment and criticism from others’ opinions (Christians or not) and we have all been the givers of it as well. It is vitally important that we as Christians do not cause anyone to stumble in their faith because of our personal opinions. We must stay focused on our God and His instruction and not let personal opinions divide our fellow believers and allow new followers to stumble and turn away.

(Romans 14:10-13) So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

To God be the Glory,

Lynn Manucci Warrick