Tag: offense

Categories
Matthew Devotionals

Causing people to fall

Matthew

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.

Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses will inevitably come, but woe to that person by whom the offense comes. (Matthew 18:6-7)

Lord, may I never cause one of your children to fall away.  I want to bring people closer to you, not drive them away from you.

Lord, guard my every action and word. Let every action and word be for the building up of your children, not their tearing down.

You valued them enough to die for them. Help me to value them the same way you do. Give me your heart for the people you love. In your name I pray, amen.

Categories
2 Corinthians Devotionals

That our ministry might not be slandered

2 Corinthians

We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed.

Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything… (2 Corinthians 6:3-4)

Those words really struck me this morning.

The gospel message will cause offense. Whenever we confront people with their sin and God’s holiness, whenever we proclaim Jesus as the only way to salvation, we risk offending them.

But while people may be offended by our words, they should see an integrity in us that they cannot question.

Just as importantly, they should see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, God’s love, kindness, patience, among other things.

Why did Paul’s words strike me? I wonder sometimes if I ever give people occasion for offense, an opportunity to disparage the gospel I proclaim.

The truth is, there are times I have. And I’ve had to repent.

But all of us, not just me, are called to be Christ’s ambassadors.

By his grace and his strength, may we all live up to that calling, giving people no room to disparage the gospel because of our words and actions.   

Categories
Mark Devotionals

Making our Lord marvel

Mark

Two verses strike me from this chapter.

So they were offended at [Jesus]. (Mark 6:3)

And,

…he was amazed at their unbelief.” (6)

To this day, people are offended at Jesus. At least when he makes claims of authority over our lives.

The gentle Jesus that loves and welcomes little children, almost everyone loves. The Jesus who is king and will one day judge all people, not so much.

I suppose the question for us who claim to be Christians is, “Does that Jesus offend us?” And if so, why?

How often does Jesus marvel at our unbelief? That we would question his love for us? That we would question his wisdom? That we would question his authority in our lives?

I ask myself, how often does Jesus marvel at my unbelief? How often do I hesitate to do what he asks? Especially in light of all he has done for me.

How about you? What is your attitude toward our Lord?