Concerning stumbling blocks

“Stumbling blocks” refer to the forces or temptations that seek to separate us from Jesus Christ. Let us consider two things about stumbling blocks. (1) People stumble over surprisingly small things. Even when walking along a path, we don’t usually trip over large objects, but we do stumble over small ones. When we think of it that way, we can see that the one who stumbles also bears some responsibility. Have you ever experienced stumbling in your faith? If so, examine yourself and see whether your eyes may have drifted away from the essence of faith. (2) That being said, the responsibility does not disappear for the one who caused the stumbling. Jesus sternly rebuked such a person and said this: “It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to sin” (v 2). The “little ones” refers to Christians who are spiritually immature. Are you the type of person who carelessly behaves in ways that might cause weaker brothers and sisters in faith to stumble? Now, let us quiet ourselves before God and examine whether we have been engaging in thoughtless actions in our daily lives that fail to build others up.

Concerning forgiveness

Next, let us consider “forgiveness.” (1) We have not been appointed as spiritual police officers to monitor whether others sin or not. Rather, we have been sent by God to love others. (2) However, that does not mean we should overlook the reality of sin. Jesus said, “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (v 3). Have you ever lovingly rebuked a brother who was committing sin? (3) If the person who has sinned repents, we should forgive them, even if it happens seven times in a single day. This does not mean that we no longer need to forgive from the eighth time. It is a teaching to continually maintain a heart of forgiveness. What God expects of us is not to keep a record of others’ sins, but to keep a heart of forgiveness. Did you wake up this morning still unable to forgive someone? It is not too late. In Jesus Christ, forgive that person so that you may receive God’s blessing.