ROMANS 14:13; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:3
When other people make a mistake, it is so simple to point it out and laugh. Sometimes we enjoy seeing other people make mistakes, whether we do it in public or simply for ourselves. Even pointing out the errors and issues of our friends makes us appear and feel so much better. But that is just the issue. By avoiding our own problems and concentrating on those of others, we simply hinder our own spiritual development. The way we live and the things we choose to concentrate on can hinder God’s activity in our lives.
Therefore, it is no surprise that Paul made an effort to put no obstacle in anyone’s way (2 Corinthians 6:3). Nothing was more important to him than making a difference in people’s lives for Jesus. That required the elimination of anything that stood in the way.
Checking to see if there are any obstacles we need to remove is also necessary if we wish to be useful to God. Our own relationship with God and our relationships with others are severely hampered when we concentrate on how other people err. It can result in rumors, bragging, greed, rage, selfishness, and retaliation, all of which worsen the situation for those close to us.
We must shift our attention to Jesus if we are to reflect God’s love and acceptance. Even for people who had made terrible mistakes, he was kind and understanding. When we live that way, others will be able to see Jesus much more clearly through us.
When we shift our attention from their faults to our Saviour, we will be better able to assist others.
🙏 Lord, may we not become obstacles or place obstacles on the way of others.
