Today’s Scripture documents the second time Jesus warned people of the danger of causing others to stumble. This could mean pulling them into an old addiction, encouraging bad behavior, otherwise putting them in a bad situation, or just plain discouraging them from a relationship with God. Our actions have consequences. In a world full of people who don’t take their actions seriously, we need to be more self-aware and care about the well-being of those around us. Not only that, but we shouldn’t be making life harder on others in general. That alone can put someone in a compromising situation. We should be lightening the load for the people around us when we can, not pushing them down. We’re to be light, not darkness—an example to others of God’s love and hope, an encouragement when others are down. We need to take a good look at our lives and make sure our lives and our actions are drawing people to God, not pushing them away.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Are there any areas of your life or attitude that might be pushing people away from God instead of drawing them to Him?

What kinds of things are stumbling blocks for you?

Do you feel that your life lightens the load or brings light to other people’s? How so?