But as for you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you as well, why do you regard your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all appear before the judgment seat of God. For it is written:
“As I live, says the Lord, to Me every knee will bow,
And every tongue will give praise to God.”
So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
Therefore let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.

Romans 14:10-13

It’s not on us to protect people from the truth of Scripture–we can’t change things to make it easier on others. What we can do and what Paul commands in the above passage is to guard against taking actions that hurt other people’s relationship with God. So because we must each give an account, we no longer go out of our way to find fault or become a judge who determines the value of others. Instead, our goal is to direct them on a clear road without roadblocks or potholes, not maintained by the WV State Road, but a Spiritual path.

When the time comes we will all have to account for our own mistakes but none are as crucial as the ones which lead others astray.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published May 21, 2021