Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.Romans 14:13 (AMPC)
Some people start out so passionate, but somewhere along the way lose their excitement for their walk with God. Why? There can be multiple reasons, but today I want to cover one of the most common: taking offence.
The enemy tries to get passionate people off track by luring them into getting offended about something. In today’s verse, the Greek word for “stumbling block” is skandalon, which refers to the trigger of a mousetrap or snare. The enemy knows that if you hold onto offence, you’ll be trapped and won’t be able to maintain your passion.
Sometimes we get offended over what people do. But more often, our bitterness comes from unmet expectations. We find ourselves thinking things like, “I should have gotten that promotion,” or “After all these years, why doesn’t my spouse understand what I’m thinking?”
Hebrews 12:15 (AMPC) cautions us to be on the lookout “in order that no root of resentment shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment.” Bitterness contaminates not just you, but those around you.
That’s why managing our expectations is crucial. If we don’t, offence and bitterness will creep into our marriages, families, workplaces and ministries—destroying them from within.
Are there some unrealistic or unfair expectations you need to re-evaluate? The Bible teaches us to be quick to forgive and learn to see the best in others. It will go a long way in guarding your passion!
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