How can our faith boost others' trust?
In what ways can we ensure our faith strengthens others' trust in God?

A Plea to Protect Others’ Faith (Psalm 69:6)

“May those who hope in You not be put to shame because of me, O LORD GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be disgraced because of me, O God of Israel.”


Why Our Example Matters

• The psalmist fears doing anything that might discredit God in the eyes of onlookers.

• Scripture repeatedly joins personal conduct to the spiritual welfare of others (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:32–33; Philippians 1:27).

• The goal: live so that anyone watching finds it easier, not harder, to trust the Lord.


Practical Ways to Strengthen Others’ Trust

• Live Blamelessly

– Keep short accounts with sin (1 John 1:9).

– Pursue visible integrity so accusations cannot stick (1 Peter 2:12; Philippians 2:15).

• Shine Through Good Works

– “Let your light shine…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16).

– Everyday acts of faithfulness—honest business, faithful marriage, generous giving—validate the gospel.

• Guard Your Words

– Speak only what “builds up” and “gives grace” (Ephesians 4:29).

– Refuse gossip, coarse joking, or cynical speech that undermines confidence in God.

• Encourage Deliberately

– “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

– Notice faith in others and say so; point out God’s fingerprints in their lives.

• Share Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness

– Tell fresh stories of answered prayer (Psalm 71:15–18).

– Personal witness turns doctrine into undeniable evidence.

• Serve Sacrificially

– “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

– Unselfish service makes the unseen God tangible (John 13:35).

• Endure Trials with Hope

– Joy under pressure proves Christ is enough (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 4:19).

– Complaining erodes faith; steady trust inspires it.

• Hold Fast to Sound Doctrine

– “Rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

– Clear, unwavering teaching guards others from doubt and drift (Jude 3).


Guardrails That Keep Us from Hindering Faith

• Flee anything that could scandalize or cause a weaker believer to stumble (Romans 14:20–21).

• Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) keeps hypocrisy from taking root.

• Welcome loving correction; it preserves credibility (Proverbs 27:6).


Living With Psalm 69:6 on Our Hearts

When our conduct, speech, and endurance align with the gospel, observers conclude: “God is trustworthy.” In that way, our faith becomes a bridge—not a barrier—to others’ deeper confidence in the Lord.

How does Psalm 69:6 connect with Jesus' teachings on being a stumbling block?
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