Blocks

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. – Romans 14:13

In this particular passage, Paul is dealing with various practices in the fledgling church which included a variety of backgrounds. He exhorts his readers/listeners to be mindful that their behavior does not discourage, condemn, or otherwise cause other believers to stumble in their faith, or even worse, to forsake their faith.

In the last several years, stumbling block behaviors have driven several dear ones to leave at least the church, although perhaps not their faith. Their questions and concerns are valid; they were confronted with someone who does not practice what they preach, who holds others to a standard they themselves could not, or would not, keep.

While the stumbling block behaviors of others have been apparent to me, I am responsible to examine my own behaviors, and correct any that cause others to stumble or question the love of God and His mercy. That is hard, and I really don’t like to do either the examination or the correction.

But that’s all that is on my plate.