“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were droned in the depth of the see. Woe unto the world because of offences! For if must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matthew 18:6-7
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“Close the door, Michael.” Roberta’s eyes flashed in a way that said she meant business.
Michael complied, but not without a hefty sigh. He could only imagine what was coming next.
“Lita’s grades are slipping again.” Roberta’s tone was hushed.
“And?” Michael was annoyed. His wife seemed to dramatize everything.
“Lita’s teacher is concerned. She suggested that we get her tested…” Roberta struggled with the last words. “For a learning disability.”
Michael paused for a second before leaving the room; without a word he slammed the door behind him.
Roberta’s heart sank. She had an inkling, but the slam solidified that she and her daughter would be embarking on this journey alone. Although Michael would never leave them, he wouldn’t be supportive, either.
There was a faint brush against the wooden door, interrupting Roberta’s spiraling thoughts.
“Mommy…” Lita’s round face peered through the crack.
“Come on in, honey.” Roberta blinked back her tears while straightening her blouse.
“Why is daddy so angry at me?” Lita scrunched her nose and scratched the back of her left ear. She always did this whenever she was nervous.
“Why do you think he’s angry at you?” Roberta tapped on her lap, inviting little Lita to sit down.
“Daddy called me stupid.” The child struggled to look her mother in the eye; she was so ashamed to hear this new revelation.
Studies have shown that many addictive behaviors and personality disorders stem from traumatic events that have happened at a young age. Sadly, many of these memories happen in the home itself.
Home is meant to be a haven of rest, security and unconditional love. But many times it becomes the source of deeply rooted pain.
Matthew 18:6-7 touches on a subject that is very dear to the heart of God. The Bible clearly states that the reason the world is in such turmoil is because many people have fallen into the trap of being offended.
People are living their lives, making decisions and forming habits out of a wounded heart. How can one grow or function properly when they have arrested development?
God not only promises that He will defend the defenseless, but His retribution will be served to those who have hurt the innocent.
Have you ever discouraged or hurt one of God’s precious little ones? Is someone walking around this earth feeling bad about who they are because of something you have said, done or haven’t done?
God can’t forgive you if you aren’t repentant. Repent today and give yourself and your relationships the ingredients required for a healthy restoration.
You can’t take back the past, but you can build a better future. This can only happen if you take the first step: owning up to your mistakes.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I have hurt your heart in many ways. I have lashed out and wounded others from the wounds in my soul. I felt like I had the right to do this, as many people have done this to me.
Lord, I see that this is unacceptable in your eyes. I cannot pass on the legacy of hurt and pain just because I have been hurt.
I can choose to do the right thing, even if I had nobody to model what that really is.
I have your word and the life of Jesus I can model my actions after. There is no excuse for continuing the cycle of offence.
Forgive me, Lord. I have offended many in my lifetime. Help me to remember each person I have hurt. As I repent of the pain that I have caused, please open up the opportunity to say I am sorry to those that need to hear it.
From this day forward give me a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others. The world does not revolve around me and my past hurts. In my arrogance, I have acted like it has.
Let the dunamis power of your resurrection heal the relationships that I have destroyed.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Matthew 18:6-7
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan