Romans 14:13: Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
The apostle’s choice of words here calls for a complete determination not to be an obstruction because the word for “stumbling block” means something carelessly left about over which someone stumbles, whereas “obstacle” means something deliberately left to ensnare another. We must determine not to be a witting or unwitting cause of a weaker brother’s stumbling as we exercise our Christian freedom. Our Christian lives must be salted with a refusal to do anything that will harm the spiritual life of weaker brothers. 1
Application
- Is what you want to do more important than what God wants you to do?
- Do you ever consider how your freedom can destroy another believer’s walk with Jesus? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Prayer
Lord, please forgive me for not considering others to be more important than myself.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.