Reading: Matthew 16, 17, 18
My Verse: (18:6) "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleaves to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea."
This is a hard thing, Lord. It is scarey. I chaff at it because I do not want to be responsible for others. And yet here it is - " . . . woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!" (18:7)
You tell me in Colossians, "Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by} tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience. Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has forgiven you; so must you also. (3:12,13)
Every word that comes from my mouth needs to be edifying to others. I need to be loving and caring to others in word and deed - and that means the checkout lady at the grocery store!
Lord, it is of course impossible to be all that You would have me to be on my own. I pray that You will keep and guide me so that I do not inadvertantly by some misspoken word or careless act cause another believer hurt or to stumble. I claim Psalm 73:24 here; "You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory."
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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