Offend Not The Little Ones

“But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

Psychologists today say that everyone has a five-year-old inside and that you should nurture that five-year-old no matter what your age. Perhaps this is why: Children have some pure and positive attributes that seem to decline with age…things like trust, hope, happiness, and honesty. They always seem to believe the best. They demonstrate faith, unconditional love, and humility.

Jesus admonished his disciples, in Matthew 18:3-4, that “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Your strongest and most valuable character traits may be hidden behind a wall of hurt and inhibition. Tear down the walls and become vulnerable and free like a child.

Jesus issues a strong warning about not offending “one of these little ones,” perhaps speaking of new or immature believers. Watch closely how you interact with them lest they become hurt or discouraged in their Christian walk and perhaps fall by the wayside.

PRAY: “Gracious Lord, allow my words and actions to be seasoned with Your love and mercy.  Increase my sensitivity to the feelings of others so that I might minister in wisdom. Amen.”