Then said He unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
Luke 17:1 (KJV)
Knowing the nature of man and the hardness of his heart, which is deceitful and incurable (Jer 17:9), Jesus warns His disciples of the inevitability of scandals that will surely come among them. Note the use of the word “impossible” which reinforces His warning. This means that no matter how hard we try to avoid scandal in the church, we can never prevent it. There will always be someone to cause it.
However, Jesus’ teaching lets us understand that even if we cannot avoid scandals that will harm our fellowmen, we can still make sure that we are not the one through whom they come; note the last phrase of the verse: “Woe to him through whom they come.” Jesus is not talking about one scandal that may come, but many; that is, scandals that will affect different aspects of the church’s life.
You will surely wonder how to avoid being the one who causes scandal so as not to suffer the consequences mentioned in the following verse. The answer is found in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with all men." This verse teaches us that if we cannot avoid scandals, we at least have the means to not be the one through whom they arrive, the means is to be at peace with all men. Let us exercise wisdom and humility to live in peace with all; let us love them as Christ commanded us, we will avoid being the source of scandals.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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