⁹ But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Corinthians 8:9 ESV)

Earlier in the books of Corinthians, Paul wrote “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial”. This directly ties to our scripture today. While much is permissible to us, if in what we do we make our brother or sister stumble it is not beneficial. Paul is not advocating bending or breaking our Christian values, but that acting upon them at times may not be in the best interest of others.

We must choose a path that is in keeping with our values but also builds others up. If we take too hard a stance on something or do something that others see as wrong it will hurt our testimony. Thus, while maintaining our closely held values we need to be cognizant of others and their views. We need not cause them to stumble in the keeping of our ways. Especially today, there is a delicate line we must tread, staying true and being loving.

Reflect on: How might what you do impact how others see us living out our Christian values and be causing a stumbling block?