Do not Become a Stumbling Block
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | November 12, 2026 | Romans 14:13–16
KEY VERSE:
“If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.” Romans 14:15 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Our choices can influence the faith of those around us. A practice we consider acceptable may encourage another believer to act against their conscience. In Romans 14:13–16, Paul urges believers to avoid placing a stumbling block in another person's way. Although Paul was convinced that no food was unclean in itself, he recognised that exercising personal freedom without considering others could harm their spiritual growth. If someone follows our example and acts against their conscience, our exercise of freedom may contribute to their spiritual harm. Christian freedom must therefore be guided by concern for the faith of others.
Paul makes love the test of how we exercise our freedom. If our actions distress another believer or encourage them to disregard their conscience, we are no longer walking in love. Our choices should reflect genuine concern for those around us. Paul reminds us that the person whose faith may be harmed is someone “for whom Christ died.” The value Christ places on that person should shape the way we exercise our freedom. His sacrificial love calls us to consider how our choices affect the spiritual well-being of others.
Paul also warns believers not to allow what they regard as good to be spoken of as evil. Even a legitimate freedom can become a source of criticism and division when exercised without consideration for others. Spiritual maturity includes knowing when to set aside a personal preference for the good of another believer. This does not mean surrendering every freedom whenever someone disagrees with us. It means recognising when our conduct could weaken another person's faith or encourage them to act against their conscience. Christian love guides how we exercise our freedom and calls us to protect the faith and spiritual well-being of others.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Examine one habit, conversation, or social media practice today. Could your example encourage another believer to act against their conscience? If so, consider what you should change to protect and strengthen their faith.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the freedom I have in Christ. Teach me to use it with love and wisdom. Show me if anything I do is a stumbling block to another believer, and give me the humility to lay it down. Help me to value those for whom Christ died more than my own preferences. In Jesus' name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 316 John 6–9 — Jesus, the Bread of Life and Light of the World
DAILY word study: DISTRESSED The Greek word λυπέω (lypeō) means to cause grief, sorrow, or distress. In Romans 14:15, the form λυπεῖται (lypeitai) describes someone who is distressed or grieved.
Paul teaches that Christian love considers the spiritual well-being of others. Our freedom in Christ should never become an excuse for actions that weaken another believer's faith. Sometimes, love calls us to set aside a personal preference to help someone remain faithful to God.
Reflect on this:
What freedom should you exercise more carefully out of love for another believer?
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