PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 17:1-3
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come…” (Luke 17:1)
Guaranteed, we will face challenges and temptations in life.
Playing the victim will not help us, because we always will be.
As Jesus followers we need to be on guard against Satan’s schemes.
“Woe to anyone through whom they come.” (Luke 17:1)
We know that Satan can work through people close to us.
We also need to watch for ways we cause others to stumble.
Being impatient, using sharp words, only thinking about my needs.
As Jesus followers, be aware of how our actions or words affect others.
It is a sad and serious thing to mess others up; treat them with care!
“If your brother or sister sins against you…” (Luke 17:3)
We shouldn’t ignore when others hurt us, but we need to be gentle.
Rebuke them gently, in a way that does not cause them to stumble.
As Jesus followers we may speak the truth, but always in love.
Gentle love and encouragement can help you both be stronger!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of others, to not cause them to stumble but to lift them up. May others treat me the same way.
The teacher/leader role is an awesome responsibility – one that is often abusive to the underlings or students under authority. Jesus warns his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. ” Let me NOT be a stumbling block for anyone – let not my piety or straight walk cause anyone to be put off. Help me to be genuine and real and not cause anyone to stumble on account of my actions or being! Rather help me to reach out and extend grace.
So far as it depends upon me, live at peace with all mankind.
Show the love of Christ which we have to others by our actions and words. I need to be like Jesus unto others, His instrument of peace. By the guidance of Your Spirit Lord may Ido just that every day.
1 Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
where there is injury, your healing power,
and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2 Make me a channel of your peace:
where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, only light,
and where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3 O, Spirit, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love with all my soul.
4 Make me a channel of your peace:
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving to all that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.