DO NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR YOUR BROTHER

Proclamation:

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  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 14:12-13 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by stating that those believers who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would distress those who are weak in the faith. (Romans 14:1-9)  Then he said that we must all give an account of ourselves to God.  Don’t judge someone just because they do things differently.  Don’t put anything in front of our brother which would cause him to stumble.  It is better for us to not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything else that would cause our brother or sister to stumble and fall into sin. (Romans 14:21)

Application:

We should conduct ourselves in such a manner that we avoid any behavior or action, even if we know it to be right, if that behavior would cause our brother to stress out because he thinks that it is wrong.  We live our lives not just for ourselves alone.  What we do affects those around us.  Not only should we avoid sin and things which appear to be sinful, we should also avoid things that our brother thinks is wrong, at least while we are in his presence.  We who are strong in the faith do not want to do anything that would cause those who are weak in the faith to stumble, or to wound their feelings, or to bother their conscience.  Just because we can do something does not mean that we should do it.