Thoughts on Today's Verse...
It is so easy to be judgmental of others. We don't know their struggles. We don't know their situation. Most of all, we don't know their hearts. When we are judgmental, we erect a barrier between others and ourselves. We often spread that judgmental impression to others in gossip. Our stubborness to only view them with a judgemental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, that can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.
My Prayer...
Father, I ask you to conform my attitude toward others to match the redemptive grace you have for them. I want to be more patient with the failures of others, just as you are patient with mine. Forgive me for not being more of an encouragement to those who are weak and struggling and open my eyes to the ways I can be a blessing to them. Forgive me for those times I have been a hindrance to others and open my heart to share your blessings with them. Please use me to be an instrument of grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.