“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
Romans 14:13
A stumbling block is anything placed in someone’s path that causes them to fall, leading to harm or even spiritual injury.
In our passage today, we are cautioned not to become the reason a brother or sister stumbles. In the body of Christ, it is important to realize that we each hold some responsibility for one another. Our actions can influence others, and as Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 8:13, we should be willing to forgo things our own conscience may allow if it helps keep another from stumbling.
One way we can become stumbling blocks to others is through offense. As much as it depends on you, do not be the reason someone is offended.
Likewise, let neither your dress nor conduct become a stumbling block. While God sees our hearts, people encounter our actions. We may unintentionally lead someone astray through our choices, even when no harm was intended.
Charge: Do not lead anyone astray, and do not be the reason anyone falls.
Further Study: 1 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 14:3.
