”But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” (1 Corinthians 8:9-13)
“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 drowned in the depth of the sea.“ (Matthew 18:6)
Woe to the man, eternal woe
To Him by whom th’offense doth come!
His lot and portion are below,
His sentence is th’apostate’s doom;
Plunged in the depths of grief unless
With broken heart his crime he feel;
A load of guilt shall soon depress
His soul to the profoundest hell.
Ah, Savior, keep my trembling heart,
Which feels its own infirmity;
One moment, Lord, if Thou depart,
The dire offense will come by me;
But if myself I always fear,
Thou wilt display Thy guardian love,
And give me grace to persevere,
Till safe with Thee I rest above.
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
