Stumbling Blocks


It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! -Luke 17:1 NASB

The Greek word skándalon translated here as 'stumbling blocks' is sometimes translated 'offenses'. It carries the idea of creating a negative cause-and-effect relationship. The word of scandal comes from it. The dictionary tells us that a scandal is something that is shocking, upsetting, or unacceptable. These words paint an image of a stumbling block.

I like what John says about this in his first Epistle: "The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him." Love is all about removing stumbling blocks. It forgives offenses. It washes away our sins. It erases the wrongs done to us. Love commits to being a blessing instead of a stumbling block to others.

God help us to not be an obstacle to others on their spiritual path. Help us to be stone removers on their journey.


... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.

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