June 2, 2017: SOAP #2738: Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

Scripture: Romans (NIV) 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Observation: When a person has a sprained ankle, they are careful how they walk, not to further injure the ankle. They may take a different route. They may put off getting up to get some trivial item. They may ask someone else for help. They will go out of their way to protect the weak/injured ankle.

Members of the body of Christ are more valuable than an injured ankle. They should not be “destroyed.” They should not be caused to “stumble” or “fall.”

Application: As a follower of Jesus, I am not only to be careful about things that may affect my Christian life, I also should be careful about how my actions will affect those around me. I should consider the eternal life of my brothers and sisters more valuable than my freedom to do what offends them.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, make me aware of things that would cause my brother and sister to stumble or fall. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!