Tag Archives: building others up

Christian Living

Freedom in Love

Beloved, as followers of Christ, we have been given freedom through His sacrifice. Yet, this freedom is not for self-indulgence but a call to walk in love and humility toward others, and to ensure that you do not cause others to stumble. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 14:13-23, “Therefore, let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way” (Romans 14:13, NASB). This powerful passage reminds us that our actions, though permissible, should never cause another believer to stumble in their faith.

In Paul’s time, Christians debated issues such as eating food sacrificed to idols and the observance of holy days. Paul clarifies that these actions, while not sinful in themselves, could harm the conscience of another believer. He says, “For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love” (Romans 14:15, NASB). The guiding principle is simple yet profound: love must govern our freedom so that we do not cause others to stumble. Instead of asserting our rights, we must seek to edify and protect the faith of others.

Broadening the Application for Today

While Paul addressed food and holy days, this principle applies to many modern situations where our actions could affect another believer’s conscience or faith. Here are some real-world examples to consider:

  1. Alcohol Consumption: Scripture does not forbid drinking alcohol, but it cautions against drunkenness. If drinking in the presence of someone who struggles with addiction or has convictions against alcohol could lead them to sin, refraining is an act of love. As Paul wrote, “It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles” (Romans 14:21, NASB). Do not cause others to stumble.
  2. Entertainment Choices: Watching movies, TV shows, or engaging in video games may seem harmless, but these choices could affect others. If what you watch or play glorifies violence, lust, or ungodliness, it might lead someone to imitate those behaviors or compromise their faith. Love calls us to prioritize holiness over entertainment, ensuring that we do not cause others to stumble.
  3. Modesty in Clothing: Clothing may be a personal choice, but it has a communal impact. If your fashion choices cause others to struggle with lust or judgment, consider how you can honor God and protect the hearts of those around you. Again, be mindful not to cause others to stumble.
  4. Language and Humor: While some forms of humor or speech might not trouble your conscience, they could influence others to adopt coarse language or behavior. Paul urges us to build one another up, saying, “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Romans 14:19, NASB). Therefore, do not cause others to stumble.
  5. Social Media Posts: The digital age has amplified how our actions affect others. Sharing divisive opinions, provocative images, or material that stirs envy or anger can cause others to stumble. Instead, let your posts reflect the goodness and grace of God, promoting unity and peace. Do not cause others to stumble.

Living Out Love

The key to understanding this teaching is love. As Paul reminds us, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17, NASB). Our ultimate goal is to honor God and bring others closer to Him. If our freedoms threaten to harm another believer’s walk, we must lay them down for the sake of love and unity.

This principle also challenges us to examine our motives. Are we prioritizing our rights or seeking to reflect Christ’s love? True freedom is not about doing whatever we want—it’s about using our freedom to serve others. Paul’s words urge us to live selflessly, saying, “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself” (Romans 15:2-3, NASB).

A Prayer for Wisdom and Love

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom we have in Christ. Teach us to use this freedom to glorify You and to edify those around us. Give us wisdom to see how our actions affect others, and the humility to lay down our rights for the sake of love. Help us to live lives that reflect the righteousness, peace, and joy of Your kingdom. May we always seek to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ, bringing unity to Your Church. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Let us strive not to cause others to stumble.

By living with love and consideration for others, we reflect the heart of Christ and advance His kingdom. Let your freedom in Christ be a beacon of His grace, drawing others closer to Him.

See Also

Words

The Power of Words in the Bible: Speaking Life and Reflecting God’s Love

Your words have the power to build bridges of grace or walls of division—speak life, and let every conversation be a reflection of God’s love.

Introduction: The Power of Words in the Bible

Words carry incredible weight. Whether spoken in anger or love, they have the ability to shape our world. The Bible is full of teachings about the power of words, and as followers of Christ, we are called to use our speech for good. The power of words in the Bible is a theme that runs throughout scripture, reminding us of the responsibility we carry with every word we speak.

The Bible Warns Against Reckless Speech

The Bible consistently warns us about the potential harm of careless speech. In Proverbs 4:24, we are told to “put away perversity from your mouth.” Likewise, Ephesians 4:29 urges us not to let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. Words can tear down, divide, and bring pain when used in anger or deceit. Matthew 15:18 reminds us that our words reflect what is in our hearts, and careless words can cause lasting damage.

Speaking Life and Grace

On the other hand, the power of words in the Bible is also seen in how they can bring healing, joy, and grace. Proverbs 16:24 describes kind words as “honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” When we speak life, we reflect the love of God to those around us. Colossians 4:6 instructs us to let our conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt. Speaking wisely and kindly allows us to be a beacon of light in a world where harsh words are all too common.

Teaching God’s Word in Everyday Life

One of the most important ways we use the power of words is by teaching God’s truths in our daily lives. Deuteronomy 6:7 and Deuteronomy 11:19 command us to speak of God’s Word constantly, whether at home or on the road, with family or in public. The power of words isn’t just about how we speak to one another, but also how we speak of God’s works and share His message. Psalm 145:11 reminds us to declare His mighty acts and share the glory of His kingdom with others.

The Power of Words to Ignite Faith

Words can also stir the fire of faith. In Luke 24:32, the disciples on the road to Emmaus felt their hearts burn as they spoke about Christ. This is the kind of fervency God desires in us—words that ignite faith and passion for Him in ourselves and others. Whether in everyday conversation or in worship, we are called to use our words to glorify God. Ephesians 5:19 encourages us to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, letting our speech reflect the heart of worship.

Conclusion: Let Your Words Reflect God’s Love

As Christians, we are called to speak life, grace, and truth. Our words can be powerful tools for healing, encouragement, and building up others. The power of words in the Bible reminds us that our speech should reflect the love of God, drawing others to Him and strengthening our faith in the process.

Call to Action

Let us take this moment to reflect on how we use our words. Are we speaking life, or are we allowing careless speech to tear down? Ask God to guide your tongue and let every word you speak be seasoned with grace. Share this message with a friend or family member and encourage them to reflect on the power of words in the Bible.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging the power of the words You’ve given us. You’ve called us to be stewards of our speech, to guard our tongues, and to speak life, not death. Lord, we ask for Your wisdom to guide our every word. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O God, our Rock and Redeemer. Teach us to avoid words that wound, tear down, or sow division, and instead, empower us to speak with grace, love, and truth, as You have commanded.

Lord, just as Your Word brings life, let our words bring healing and encouragement to those around us. May our speech be seasoned with kindness, wisdom, and compassion. Help us to reflect Your heart in our conversations—whether with family, friends, or strangers. Let the truth of Your mighty works flow from our lips, so that all may see Your glory and goodness. Let our speech be like apples of gold, bringing peace, restoration, and joy to those who hear.

Father, we pray that Your truth would be ever on our tongues, as we teach and proclaim Your Word daily. Give us a boldness to speak of You in our homes, workplaces, and everywhere we go. Like the saints of old, may we encourage one another with words of faith, declaring Your mighty acts and Your unfailing love. Let our hearts burn within us as we talk about Christ, and let our words draw us nearer to Your presence.

Lord, stir within us a holy fervor for You. Let our speech ignite faith in the hearts of others, as we testify of Your greatness. And may our worship overflow from our hearts into songs of praise, lifting You up with every breath we take. We ask for Your Spirit to guide us in this—so that in everything we say, You are glorified and Your kingdom is advanced. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

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