Sparkie Inspires

Matthew 18:1-9

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Causing to Stumble

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

My view:

Let us be careful our words and actions.

Bible: verse 7

Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

My view:

It’s not just the world thoughts but I believe it’s the church too. It is a woe to those who cause anyone to stumble. I was telling a friend I’ve heard many stories of people leaving church and said they would never go back. People have feelings, emotions and words matter! I was one who said, “ I never wanted to go to church again”. My kids were little. The hurt caused by a pastor and leadership was too much for me. It would take 11 months for me to try again. The pastor at the new church would talk about fruit of the spirit and how we needed to be careful in life. People watch us and we are an example of Jesus. It was like a new beginning for me and my family.

Words have power! The Bible says: Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Be careful your words. If someone’s hurt you or church hurts, let it go. Let God renew you and use you.

Blessings, Sparkie