“So stop being critical and condemning of other believers, but instead determine to never deliberately cause a brother or sister to stumble and fall because of your actions.” (Romans 14:13)
This verse doesn’t need much to interpret it, this is part of living a selfless life and preferring others over yourself. This is JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself)! Although Romans 14 is directly talking of foods, and holy days, this applies across the board in all things, and is speaking to personal convictions.
How we present ourselves in front of others is very important! Are there things, attitudes or behaviors that are in fact contrary to the Word of God, and that by continuing in them we are being a stumbling block to others? Beloved, I’ve been there and this was a BIG thing I was cut with early on. Many times we are and do not realize it.
Maybe a person is coming to realize that anger is against the Word, yet they see anger rise up in us, and so they think it’s ok, and we’ve just caused them to stumble. Any other vice can be put into this scenario to examine ourself.
We must become good a reflecting and stop deflecting. Many times the Holy Spirit is bringing it to us personally, but there’s a wrong whisper that quickly comes and says “this is for so and so…”, beloved we must learn to discern! Allow the Sword to cut us first!!!
“Who do you think you are to sit in judgment of someone else’s household servant? His own master is the one to evaluate whether he succeeds or fails. And God’s servants will succeed, for God’s power supports them and enables them to stand.” (Romans 14:4)