As Christians, we are called to live in a way that honors God and helps others grow in their faith. One important aspect of this is being mindful of how our actions can impact those around us. The Bible is clear about the responsibility we have in ensuring that we do not cause others to stumble in their walk with Christ. To “cause others to stumble” means to lead someone into sin or to hinder their spiritual growth by our behavior, words, or choices. This article explores 36 Bible verses that address the idea of causing others to stumble and the importance of living in a way that supports one another in faith.
1. Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
In this verse, Jesus warns about the severe consequences of causing even the smallest believers to stumble. The term “little ones” here refers to those new or vulnerable in the faith. The verse highlights how seriously God views leading others astray, emphasizing that we must be careful not to be a stumbling block to others.
2. Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
Paul teaches us to avoid passing judgment on fellow believers and to be mindful of our actions. We should not put anything in the way of another believer’s spiritual growth, whether it’s our words, actions, or attitudes. This verse encourages us to be considerate of others’ convictions and weaknesses.
3. 1 Corinthians 8:9
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
In this verse, Paul is addressing the issue of Christian liberty—how we can enjoy certain freedoms in Christ. However, Paul cautions that these freedoms should not become an obstacle to those who are weaker in their faith or understanding. We should always be willing to give up our rights for the sake of others.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:32
“Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God.”
Paul urges the Corinthian church not to cause any believer, regardless of their background, to stumble. Whether we are interacting with fellow Christians or those outside the faith, our actions must reflect Christ’s love and care for others.
5. Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love for others, even in the matter of personal freedoms. If our actions—though not sinful in themselves—can lead someone into sin or harm their faith, we must be willing to give them up for their sake.
6. Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!”
Jesus warns that while stumbling blocks may arise, it is a tragedy for the person who causes them. We should be cautious not to lead others into sin, as the consequences of doing so are serious.
7. Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Paul encourages believers to use their freedom in Christ to serve one another rather than indulge in selfishness. When we serve others in love, we avoid causing them to stumble and instead build them up in the faith.
8. Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
This verse teaches that those who are strong in the faith should bear the weaknesses of others, avoiding actions that would cause others to stumble. It encourages selflessness and the desire to help others grow, rather than seeking our own comfort or freedom.
9. 1 Corinthians 10:33
“I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
Paul expresses his desire to act in a way that benefits others spiritually, prioritizing their well-being and salvation over his own desires or freedoms. This mindset is crucial in preventing us from being stumbling blocks to others.
10. Romans 14:15
“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.”
Paul reminds us that our actions can deeply affect others, especially when they are struggling with issues of conscience. Even if something is not a sin for us, we should not do it if it causes harm or distress to a fellow believer.
11. 1 John 2:10
“Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”
Love is the antidote to causing others to stumble. When we love others, we live in the light of Christ, and our actions will reflect His goodness. We must intentionally cultivate a heart of love for others so that our behavior never hinders their walk with God.
12. Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Rather than causing others to stumble, we should seek to inspire and encourage each other toward love and good deeds. Our interactions with others should build them up in faith and motivate them to live out their Christian calling.
13. Luke 17:1
“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.'”
Jesus acknowledges that stumbling blocks will inevitably arise, but He stresses that those who cause others to stumble will face grave consequences. We must be aware of how our actions impact others and strive to be instruments of encouragement, not hindrance.
14. 1 Corinthians 8:13
“Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.”
Paul demonstrates a radical commitment to not causing others to stumble, even in matters of personal preference. He values the spiritual well-being of others above his own freedom, showing us the importance of sacrificial love.
15. 2 Corinthians 6:3
“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of not letting anything hinder the work of the gospel. He and his fellow ministers avoided any action that could cause others to stumble, so their message would remain credible and effective.
16. Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This verse encourages us to consider others’ needs and spiritual growth, not just our own desires. By prioritizing others, we can avoid causing them to stumble and instead help them grow in faith.
17. Matthew 5:29
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Jesus teaches here the seriousness of sin and how we must be willing to sacrifice anything in our lives that causes us to stumble or causes others to stumble. This drastic language highlights the importance of avoiding sin at all costs.
18. Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
In our efforts to help others who are stumbling in sin, we must be careful not to fall into temptation ourselves. Humility and gentleness are essential as we restore others, and we must also be aware of how our actions might affect their faith.
19. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness is key in preventing bitterness or resentment from causing us to stumble. By bearing with one another and offering forgiveness, we build up the body of Christ and prevent discord that could lead others astray.
20. James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
James acknowledges the reality of stumbling but encourages believers to be mindful of their words. Our speech can easily cause others to stumble, so we must strive for wisdom and self-control in all that we say.
ChatGPT 说：
21. Matthew 23:13
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
In this warning to the religious leaders, Jesus rebukes them for being a stumbling block to others. Their hypocrisy and legalism prevented people from entering the kingdom of God. This reminds us that our actions and attitudes can either draw people closer to Christ or push them away.
22. Romans 16:17
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
Paul encourages believers to be vigilant and avoid those who intentionally cause divisions and obstacles in the faith. It is essential to guard the unity of the church and protect others from false teachings or behaviors that lead them astray.
23. Luke 11:46
“Jesus replied, ‘And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.'”
Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for placing unnecessary burdens on others. Instead of helping people grow in faith, they made it more difficult. We must be careful not to burden others with legalistic rules or expectations that cause them to stumble.
24. 2 Peter 2:14
“With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!”
Peter warns against false teachers who lead others astray through their sinful desires. Their actions and teachings are a stumbling block to those who are weak in their faith. We must be cautious of those who seduce others into sin for their own gain.
25. 1 Timothy 4:16
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Paul advises Timothy to live with integrity, both in his actions and teachings. By doing so, he will not only protect himself from stumbling but will also help others in their spiritual growth. Our lives and teachings should be in alignment to avoid leading others into error.
26. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.”
Paul demonstrates the importance of flexibility and being considerate of others’ beliefs and consciences. While Paul had freedom in Christ, he was willing to make personal sacrifices to avoid being a stumbling block and to reach others effectively for Christ.
27. Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Love is the key to preventing others from stumbling. True love for others will always prioritize their well-being and spiritual growth over personal desires. It compels us to avoid actions that might harm or hinder them.
28. 2 Corinthians 11:3
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Paul warns the Corinthian church against being deceived and led away from pure devotion to Christ. We must be cautious of the ways in which our actions, choices, or teachings could cause others to stumble in their devotion.
29. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.”
This simple but powerful verse calls Christians to avoid all forms of evil. It highlights the need for moral purity and integrity, not only for our own sake but also to ensure that we do not cause others to stumble through our actions.
30. Philippians 1:10
“So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
Paul encourages believers to live lives of purity and discernment, being mindful of how their actions affect others. By living in a way that is blameless, we protect ourselves and those around us from stumbling.
31. James 2:10
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
James emphasizes the importance of consistency in our obedience to God. If we cause others to stumble in one area, it can have a broader impact. Our lives should reflect the entirety of God’s law and commandments, not just in certain areas.
32. Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
This verse calls believers to remove anything that hinders their spiritual growth. Whether it’s sin, distractions, or actions that may cause others to stumble, we are urged to stay focused on Christ and the race set before us.
33. 2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
As ambassadors of Christ, our lives should reflect His message of reconciliation. Our behavior and actions should not hinder others from coming to Christ but should encourage them to seek a relationship with Him.
34. Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Sincere love for others leads us to avoid actions that could cause them to stumble. By clinging to what is good and rejecting evil, we ensure that we are not a stumbling block but rather a source of encouragement for others.
35. 1 Timothy 1:5
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
Paul reminds Timothy that the goal of all commandments and teachings is love, which stems from purity, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. Our actions should reflect this love and never cause others to stumble but should help them grow closer to Christ.
36. 2 Peter 3:17
“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.”
Peter calls believers to be vigilant and guard themselves against error. We are warned to avoid the pitfalls of false teachings or sinful behaviors that might cause us or others to stumble.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently warns us about the dangers of causing others to stumble, whether through our actions, words, or attitudes. It is a serious matter in God’s eyes, and we are urged to be mindful of how our behavior impacts those around us. As believers, we are called to build up one another, encouraging each other in the faith and not hindering each other’s spiritual growth.
Our love for others should be evident in our actions, as we seek to live in a way that strengthens, rather than weakens, their faith. By living with humility, love, and care for others, we can avoid becoming stumbling blocks and instead help one another run the race of faith with perseverance. Let us always strive to reflect Christ in all we do, considering how our actions might impact the spiritual well-being of others.
Related topics:
