Stumbling Block

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Romans 14:13-19

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Stumbling Block
We have been tripped up by stumbling blocks of sin. We have placed stumbling blocks in the way of our friends, neighbors, and brothers. We have desired hurt for those we are angry with. All that uncleanness, Jesus comes to take away. He bids us stop. He bids us stop looking at our own bellies and start looking at the needs of our neighbor. He bids us feed our neighbor, clothe him, visit him, and give him something to drink. He wants us to care for one another and to show forth the love that is foreign to the world. The Kingdom of God is all about the righteousness of Jesus. It is about the peace that he gives to the world in his cross. It all stops at the cross. It is all paid for at the death of Jesus. God dies so that you and your brother lives. God suffers and pays all so that you can enjoy the riches of heaven, his righteousness and peace and a joy that never ends. Rejoice in the Lord's work. Rejoice with your brothers and sisters and neighbors and everyone you meet. God has done a great thing for us all.