Stumbling blocks are serious problems. When Jesus saw that the crowd of people would soon see and hear the Disciples fighting over who would sit next to Him at the throne he rebuked them quickly and harshly for their lack of humility and ultimately their understanding of all His teachings. The last thing He wanted was the young follower to leave that place imitating the sinful pride being displayed. By this we can see that we are not only responsible for ourselves but our neighbors, the closest of which is our families.
The 'takeaway' phrase that our Savior gives in his instruction is the outcome, “you have won your brother”. It's not about theological sword fighting, or manipulating someone into submission. It's about using the Love of God to properly ask for and/or give forgiveness in all cases of offense. If we do anything but this, or do this with a sour attitude, without forgiving someone who may have offended us, or not offering true contrition for our wrongs in the matter, then we are a stumbling block and are in danger of losing much. Jesus said it would be better to lose an eye, or a limb than to cause another to stumble.
We are not left to wonder how to avoid doing this. Our Lord gives us wonderful instruction in his Word on how to keep our pride and human emotions in check. We need to stay under the council of God's Word, not as heady philosophers like the Pharisees, but as humble learners, like the child Jesus lifted up while he preached. The attitude of humble seeking will cause us and keep us as teachable subjects of the Kingdom. Subjects who will be able to win brothers.
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