A Stumbling Block

“Let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.”—Romans 14:13 NASB

It can be easy to become a stumbling block for others, even if we have good intentions and feel we are doing the right thing. We might do or say things that make others feel discouraged or inspire doubt or frustration. We might even cause others to lose faith or to become weaker in their walk with the Lord.

In particular, Paul stressed how we become stumbling blocks through our words. He asked, “Why do you criticize your brother’s actions?” If other believers commit obvious sins, we may feel responsible to help them. But first, we need to search our own lives and be sure that God is leading us to do so (Matthew 18:15–18).

Jesus taught these principles in the Sermon on the Mount. He said we should not “look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye” but pay closer attention to “the log that is in your own eye.” Instead of rushing to judge others, we first need to purify our own lives by confessing our own sins. Only then will we be able to gently point out the sins in others’ lives (Matthew 7:2–5).

Today, seek to live in such a way that you are not an obstacle to others. Remember that God is the judge. You will have to answer to Him and so will everyone else. Make sure that you are living for Him.

Reflection Question:Do some soul-searching for how you might be a stumbling block.