In what ways can we avoid being a "stumbling block" to others?

The Call to Remove Obstacles

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:13)

---

What Is a Stumbling Block?

• Anything in my conduct—public or private—that trips another believer’s conscience

• A behavior that emboldens someone to sin or weakens their faith (1 Corinthians 8:10-12)

• A liberty used without love that damages another’s walk with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

---

Practical Ways to Avoid Becoming One

• Guard my freedoms

– “Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)

– Voluntarily limit lawful things if they cause confusion or temptation for others (Romans 14:20-21).

• Walk in love, not mere knowledge

– Knowledge puffs up; love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1).

– Ask, “Will this edify my brother?” before exercising a right (1 Corinthians 10:23).

• Keep a clear conscience before God and people

– “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and men.” (Acts 24:16)

– What I permit in private shapes who I am in public.

• Watch my words

– “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up…” (Ephesians 4:29).

– Sarcasm, gossip, or coarse joking can derail a weaker believer.

• Model purity and self-control

– “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

– People imitate what they see more readily than what they hear.

• Stay sensitive to cultural contexts

– Paul became “all things to all men” to win some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

– Discern when a neutral practice might appear sinful in a given setting.

• Pursue peace over preference

– “Let us therefore pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19)

– Choose unity above personal taste or style.

• Encourage accountability

– “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

– Invite trusted believers to speak up if my actions distract or harm others.

---

Living the Lesson

By filtering every choice through love, edification, and the good of my brother, I refuse to place even a pebble in his path. My goal: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)