Building Unity
Preventing Division Among Brethren
The way we treat one another within the body of Christ is a matter of great spiritual importance. When we talk about our walk with the Lord, it is necessary to consider how our actions and words impact our brethren. Causing a brother to fall, or stumble in their faith, is a serious offense, one that Jesus Himself spoke of with strong words.
In Luke 17:2, Jesus declares, "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." This statement underlines the weight of responsibility each Christian bears in how they interact with others. To cause a brother or sister to fall away from the faith is not a small matter—it carries eternal consequences.
The Power of Words and Actions
Too often, believers underestimate the power of their words and actions. Proverbs 18:21 teaches, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." What we say can either edify or destroy. A careless remark, spoken in frustration or without thought, can drive a brother or sister away from the faith. Worse yet, failing to act when a brother is in need of support can be just as harmful.
Before speaking or acting, consider the effect your words or actions will have. Will they encourage a brother to remain faithful to the Lord, or will they drive him away? Consider that Jesus' warning in Luke 17:2 speaks not only to intentional actions but also to those careless words or deeds we fail to consider. The repercussions of causing a brother to stumble are severe.
Resolving Conflicts with Love
Most conflicts within the church can be resolved through love and commitment to the Lord. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the need for love among brethren. "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). Love serves as a foundation for resolving conflicts, healing offenses, and maintaining unity within the church.
Offenses will arise. It is an unfortunate reality of life, but how we handle them matters. If you find yourself hurt by a brother’s words or actions, do not allow bitterness to take root. Instead, seek reconciliation, approaching the matter with humility. On the other hand, if you are the one who has caused offense, take responsibility and make it right before it festers. Repentance and reconciliation are essential.
Both Souls Are in Danger
When offense occurs between brethren, both souls are in danger. The one who causes offense risks his soul by leading another away from Christ. The one who has been offended risks his soul if he allows resentment or bitterness to pull him away from the faith. Both need to seek repentance to be restored.
Jesus' words in Matthew 6:15 are clear: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Refusal to forgive places a soul in jeopardy, just as much as causing the offense does. In a situation where both parties have sinned, both must seek the Lord's forgiveness through repentance. Eternity hangs in the balance.
Strengthening Relationships with Brethren
The key to preventing offenses from causing division within the church lies in building strong relationships among brethren. Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs believers to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Strong bonds among brethren make it less likely for minor offenses to turn into major conflicts.
When we are in close fellowship with one another, offenses can be handled with patience and understanding. Instead of allowing a minor issue to grow into a stumbling block, we can work through it with love and unity. Strong relationships also provide the support needed to keep brethren from falling away from the Lord.
Do not wait for problems to arise before investing in your relationships with fellow Christians. Seek out ways to encourage, support, and build up your brethren before any offense occurs. When you have established strong bonds, the love and commitment you share will help smooth over offenses and keep the church united.
Conclusion
The words of Jesus in Luke 17:2 serve as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of causing a brother or sister to fall. The consequences of leading a fellow Christian astray are eternal. Every word and action we take has the potential to build up or tear down the body of Christ.
It is vital to watch our words and actions, resolving conflicts with love, and understanding that both souls are at risk when offense occurs. Build strong, godly relationships with your brethren, and when conflicts arise, handle them with the love of Christ, ensuring that no brother or sister is lost due to carelessness or pride.
Let us always strive to strengthen the bonds within the church, for together we are all striving toward the same goal—heaven. Do not be the cause of a brother's fall, and do not let offense pull you away from the Lord. Instead, commit to creating and maintaining strong, loving relationships with your brethren, so that all may remain faithful to the Lord.