Are You A Stumbling Block? How Your Actions Can Affect Others - March, 2025

Memory Verse

“But be careful with your freedom. Your freedom may cause those who are weak in faith to fall into sin.” — 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NCV)

As Christians, we are called to live in the freedom Christ has given us. However, freedom is not an excuse for carelessness. The way we live, speak, dress, and behave can influence others positively or negatively. Many believers unknowingly become stumbling blocks, leading weaker Christians into sin or confusion.

But what does the Bible say about stumbling blocks? How can we ensure that our actions help others grow rather than hinder their faith? This devotional explores what it means to be a stumbling block, how to avoid it, and how to live as a Deliberate Christian who uplifts others rather than causing them to fall.

What Does the Bible Say About Stumbling Blocks?

The concept of a stumbling block appears multiple times in Scripture. The term refers to anything that causes someone else to trip, fall, or sin in their spiritual walk. Let’s explore some key Bible passages:

1. Jesus’ Warning About Stumbling Blocks

Jesus had strong words about causing others to stumble:
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” — Matthew 18:6 (NIV)

Jesus wasn’t talking only about children. “Little ones” also refers to new believers or those weak in faith. When we act in ways that lead others away from God, we invite severe judgment upon ourselves.

2. Paul’s Teaching on Christian Freedom

Paul reminds us that while we have liberty in Christ, we must use it wisely:
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” — 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

For example, eating meat sacrificed to idols was not a sin for Paul. However, if a weaker believer saw him eating and was led into confusion or guilt, Paul would rather give up eating that meat entirely than risk harming someone’s faith.

3. Our Call to Live Considerately

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.” — Romans 14:19-20 (NIV)

The principle is simple: Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. A Deliberate Christian is mindful of how their actions affect others.

How Can You Avoid Being a Stumbling Block?

Here are five practical ways to ensure that your actions help, rather than hinder, others in faith.

1. Be Mindful of Your Words

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Your words can either build up or tear down. Are you speaking words of encouragement, or are your words causing confusion, gossip, or division in the body of Christ?

2. Watch Your Actions and Lifestyle

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.” — Titus 2:7 (NIV)

Whether it’s the way we dress, the media we consume, or the way we handle disagreements, our lifestyle should reflect Christ.

3. Consider the Weaker Believer

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” — Romans 15:1 (NIV)

Mature believers should be patient with those

who are still growing in faith, avoiding actions that may lead them into confusion.

4. Avoid Hypocrisy

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:3 (NIV)

If we correct others while living in compromise ourselves, we send mixed signals. Our lives must align with the truth we preach.

5. Walk in Love

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” — Romans 13:8 (NIV)

A person motivated by love will always seek the good of others above their personal preferences.

Christian Songs About Stumbling Blocks

Music is a powerful way to reinforce biblical lessons. Here are some songs that speak about living a life that honors God and helps others grow:

1. “Slow Fade” – Casting Crowns (A song about how small compromises can lead to spiritual downfall.)
2. “Lead Me” – Sanctus Real (A call for godly leadership in the family and church.)
3. “My Life Is in You, Lord” – Daniel Gardner (A reminder that our lives should reflect Jesus.)
4. “Make Me a Servant” – Maranatha! Music (Encourages humility in Christian living.)

Books on Avoiding Stumbling Blocks

If you want to go deeper into this topic, here are some great reads:

• “The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere – Addresses how offense can become a stumbling block.
• “Respectable Sins” by Jerry Bridges – A book about sins that Christians often overlook but can be stumbling blocks.
• “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman – Challenges Christians to live as true followers, not just

Get Deliberate: A Personal Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

✔️ Are there any habits in your life that might be confusing or harming weaker believers?
✔️ Do your words and actions encourage others toward Christ or away from Him?
✔️ What specific change can you make today to ensure you are leading people closer to Jesus?

Action Step:

This week, make a deliberate effort to be an encourager. Find someone who is struggling in faith and offer them support, prayer, or encouragement.

The Deliberate Christian Bible Study and Prayer Chain is a community of faith where you can learn your Christian responsibility through deep study of the word and prayer. We support believers to live intentionally for Christ and grow spiritually. Join the Prayer Chain below

Deliberate Christian Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I surrender my words, actions, and lifestyle to You. Help me to live in a way that builds others up rather than tearing them down. If there are areas in my life where I have been a stumbling block, open my eyes to see them and give me the grace to change. Let my life reflect Your love and truth, drawing others closer to You. Amen.

There are more prayer points against being a stumbling block and other issuees pertaining to the Christian faith in the Deliberate Christian Prayer Bank.

Key Take Away

A Deliberate Christian does not live for self but for the good of others and the glory of God. Your freedom should never become a reason for someone else’s downfall. Live intentionally—walk in love, consider others, and be a light that leads, not a stumbling block that misguides.

Are you blessed by this devotional? Write in the comment section – I shall not be a stumbling block to others in Jesus name

Feature image was courtesy of Freepik

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