April 13th | Stumbling Blocks

Be careful about doing something permissible in itself that can be a stumbling block for a new Christian.

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1 Corinthians 8:13

“Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.”

Paul wasn’t telling the early Christians to become vegetarians.

In Corinth, the big debate was whether it was okay for Christians to eat meat that had been sacrificed to pagan idols. Some believers saw it as harmless—after all, an idol is nothing. Others felt it was wrong and could pull them back into their old idolatrous ways.

Paul’s answer went far beyond the food itself.

His real point is this: Love for others should outweigh our personal rights and freedoms.

Yes, we may have the liberty to do certain things. In America especially, we value our individual rights. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to something higher. We must be willing to lay down even a permissible freedom if it causes a weaker brother or sister to stumble in their faith, damages our witness to unbelievers, or blurs the line between our old life and our new life in Christ.

Being a Christian means living as an example. Just because our culture says something is “acceptable” doesn’t mean it honors God or builds up others.

That might mean:

- Choosing to avoid certain entertainment or traditions that could cause a new believer to compromise.

- Steering clear of situations that could lead to gossip.

- Being intentional about what we post and how we live on social media—so that people can clearly see Christ in us.

Ask yourself this simple but powerful question today:

“How can I live in a way that encourages and builds up others in their faith?"

When love for others becomes more important than our personal liberties, we reflect the heart of Jesus.