So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:16-17
Beloved ones, I’ve been thinking on triggers, things that cause a snap reaction out of us as well as things we say and do to cause others to snap.
A trigger is also called a skandalon in the Greek. It means a stumbling block or trap stick; an obstacle or offense.
In Bible use, it’s used figuratively to describe a behavior or attitude that causes others to sin or lose their faith in Jesus.
Ouch. Let that sink in guys. That is serious and very unloving. We can cause damage by our words and actions, and we know that our words release Life (Jesus life) or death. See Proverbs 18:21.
Don’t cause others to stumble by your judgements, etc. Look at the following Scriptures.
Why do you pass judgement on your brother? Romans 14:10
Decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Romans 14:13
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. Romans 14:15
Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:3-4
And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 1 Corinthians 8:11
I’ve seen and heard so much stuff that tries to discourage or destroy another in the Body of Christ. Some people like to worship with flags. Someone complains that the flags are distracting. The worship music is too loud, the message wasn’t presented right, why don’t they do what I’m doing for Jesus, look what they’re wearing, they talk weird, and people pick and choose who they greet. It’s never ending and surely must break the Father’s heart. I love this beautiful example of love in Matthew 14. Jesus sent the disciples off in a boat while he went to pray. He then walked on the water to get to His guys in the boat. Peter said, “If it’s You, Lord, command me to come on the water. He did and Peter was walking on the water until he noticed the wind and began to sink. Then Jesus said, “You chicken.” NO!
Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him. Matthew 14:31a
And didn’t Jesus tell us not to compare ourselves and trust that we’re righteous and not treat others with contempt? Read the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14.
Jesus gave Peter a hand up, not a smack down. Jesus tells us to be kind, to love and to build others up.
Jesus said, “Don’t let corrupting talk come from your mouth, be kind to one another, follow the parable of the Samaritan, have the teaching of kindness on your tongue, and pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Ephesians 4:29,32; Luke 10:30-37; Proverbs 31:26 and Romans !4:19.
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:19-20 talked about him speaking for the upbuilding of the beloved, yet being concerned about slander, gossip, quarreling, etc. Things haven’t changed, guys.
So what if it’s me that gets triggered? It’s my responsibility to get with the Lord and ask Him what is causing this reaction and how does it really look through His eyes?
Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
Shake it off and step on it. Use the trigger to grow in Christ. Speak words of Life that lead to the healing and freedom of others.
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
Father, help us to reserve judgements for only ourselves before You. Help us to love each other as You love us and to be the hand that lifts and encourages our brothers and leads them to the freedom You give. May we honor You with our words and actions.
