His Holiness Pope Shenouda spoke about stumbling (offenses), explaining that it is not limited to one kind of sin but includes anything that causes a person to fall—or causes another to fall—into sin. He emphasized each person’s responsibility for both himself and others, for whoever causes another to stumble shares his sin and will be judged with him.

The Danger of Stumbling

He affirmed that the Lord Jesus said, “Woe to the world because of offenses,” showing that stumbling is extremely dangerous because it may destroy both the offender and the offended. Even if the offender repents, his sin continues to affect the other person until that one repents too.

Biblical Examples

Pope Shenouda noted that Satan was the first to cause stumbling, leading Eve to fall and dragging other angels down with him. He also explained that stumbling is worse when directed toward a child, a simple person, or someone weak, since they cannot resist or defend themselves.

Types of Stumbling

He divided stumbling into:

• Spiritual stumbling, coming from Satan, false visions, or deceitful dreams.

• Human stumbling, caused by friends, relatives, or loved ones like Rebekah and Jacob, Delilah and Samson, or Jezebel and Ahab.

• Intellectual and media stumbling, from books, movies, or media that spread corruption and false ideas.

Dealing with Stumbling

He urged believers to flee from stumbling—not as weakness but as wisdom and protection—just as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife. He likened temptation to an external offer that can be accepted or rejected, emphasizing that the pure heart cannot be overcome, just as water cannot ignite beside fire.

Purity of Heart and the Role of Will

He explained that stumbling often arises not from outside but from a corrupted heart or distorted mind. A pure eye makes the whole body light, but a sinful heart sees everything as temptation. Thus, believers must purify their hearts to remain strong and steadfast against all trials.

Intellectual and Doctrinal Stumbling

He warned against accepting any teaching without discernment, advising that every word must be weighed by sound Orthodox doctrine. Citing St. John, he said, “Test the spirits.” He also cautioned against heretical groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses that have led many astray.

Role Models and Counsel

He noted that a bad example—at home or in society—can be a powerful source of stumbling, as can bad advice, like that of Ahithophel or Balaam. Believers must therefore choose carefully whom to listen to and whom to imitate.

Spiritual Call

He concluded with a call to vigilance—avoid all causes of stumbling, flee from sin, and guard the purity of heart and mind, for steadfastness in holiness is the true protection against all offenses.

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