Reading: Luke 17-18
Then said He unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him(Luke 17:1-4).
Temptations are an integral part of the fallen world we live in. They come in many forms. Unintentional temptation can be found in the passive existence of an object or substance that we covet or the inadvertent action or offer of someone ignorant of our internal struggle. Active, impersonal temptation can be found in advertisements, entertainment, social media, and any other source that seeks to direct and influence society as a whole. Deliberate, directed personal temptation comes from individuals aware of our weaknesses and internal struggles. They either don’t care if they cause us to stray or actively seek to pull us from the path. These individuals know what they are doing; they simply believe they have the right to do it.
It is not enough to abstain from active sin; we must guard against speaking and behaving in such a way that leads someone else into sin. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend (I Cor. 8:12-13). If we do so in ignorance, God expects us to apologize, make what amends are possible, and adjust our actions going forward. If we do so deliberately, then Jesus’ warning is clear. Woe unto him, through whom they (offenses) come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
But while we are to be vigilant and self-disciplined regarding our actions involving others, Jesus teaches limitless patience and compassion regarding others' transgressions toward us. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. This is not, as some might perceive, a double standard; instead, it is a beautiful example of managing what we can control with Christian love and trusting God to handle the rest. When we rebuke (speak up and let the other person know what they did against us), we give them the tools they need to make a different choice. When they repent, and we forgive, we are celebrating that choice—their step toward God. Just as God is patient with us, lovingly correcting and quick to respond with grace and mercy each time we humble ourselves before him, so too does He expect us to be patient with others.
It is not easy to maintain self-control and an awareness of the needs of those around us at all times and in all things. It is even harder to let go of expectations for those around us to maintain the same standards we set for ourselves. Neither is something that we are capable of doing on our own, a fact the disciples immediately grasped. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith (17:5). We can strive to do both, but only with God’s help will we have any chance of success.
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible(Matt. 19:26).
Thought For Today:Do not let your pride lead others into temptation; to humble yourself before God is to acknowledge your faults.
Cross Reference:For Luke 18:20: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20.
Word Studies:17:8 sup = eat, dine; 17:9 trow not = think not; 18:1 faint = give up; 18:3 Avenge me of = Provide justice and protection against.
Pray For Staff:Gilbert Palafox • Country: French Polynesia (280,026) South Pacific Ocean • Major Languages: French, Polynesian • Religious Freedom • 54% Protestant; 30% Roman Catholic; 10% Other; 6% No Religion • Prayer Suggestion: The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips (Prov. 16:23).