THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 17:1-3
“Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come…” (Luke 17:1)
Guaranteed, we will face obstacles, challenges and temptations in life.
Playing the victim will not help us, because we always will be.
As Jesus followers, we ought to always be on guard against Satan’s schemes.
We also have to be aware that they can come through people close to us.
“Woe to anyone through whom they come.” (Luke 17:1)
We also need to be on guard for ways we cause others to stumble.
Losing my temper, saying hurtful things, using others for my own gain.
As Jesus followers, we ought to be aware of how our actions or words affect others.
It is a serious thing to mess someone else up; treat others with care!
“If your brother or sister sins against you…” (Luke 17:3)
We shouldn’t be passive when others hurt us, nor should they if we hurt them.
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.
Love, gentleness and blessing can help them repent, and restore your relationship.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, relationships are hard, and tensions and hurts are bound to come. Help me to pay attention to how I relate to others, and how they relate to me, so that Satan will not cause us to stumble.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
A stepping stone?
A stumbling block?
Which am I?
In my daily living, in all my doings, I must be a blessing to others. I am a living letter – an epistle read by all who see me and know me. How do others read me?
Always, always I need to be living for Jesus, walking and living in His ‘SonShine’ so that Light may shine through me.
Reading this passage the following children’s song comes to mind . .
VS 1) Oh, be careful little ears, what you hear (repeat)
For the Father Up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little ears
what you hear.
(VS 2) Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see, (repeat)
For the Father up above,
is looking down in love,
So be careful little eyes
What you hear.
(VS 3) Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say, (repeat),
For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little
mouth what you say.
(VS 4) Oh, be careful little hands, what you do (repeat),
For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little hands
What you do
(VS 5) Oh, be careful little feet where you go (repeat)
For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little feet,
Where you go.
(VS 6) Oh, be careful little mind what you think (repeat)
For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little mind,
What you think.
(VS 7) Oh, be careful little heart what you love (repeat)
For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little heart,
What you love.