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[Verse 1] Interfering with or Taking Away Joy and Fulfillment: Biblical Perspectives The Bible has clear teachings on the sanctity of an individual's relationship with God and the serious consequences of interfering with or taking away the joy, fulfillment, and spiritual growth of others. Here are some key principles and scriptures that address this issue: The Sanctity of Individual Relationship with God Romans 14:13 (NIV) "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." Principle: Believers are urged not to hinder the spiritual journey of others. Interfering with someone’s path to joy and fulfillment in God is discouraged. Matthew 18:6 (NIV) "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Principle: Jesus strongly warns against causing believers, especially those with childlike faith, to stumble in their spiritual walk. [Verse 2] Consequences of Interference Galatians 5:7-8 (NIV) "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." Principle: Paul admonishes those who hinder the spiritual progress of others, suggesting such actions are not from God. James 4:11-12 (NIV) "Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" Principle: Slandering or judging others interferes with their spiritual journey and is condemned, as it usurps God’s role as the ultimate judge. Protection and Encouragement 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Principle: Believers are encouraged to support and build each other up, contributing positively to each other’s joy and spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds [Verse 3] and is condemned, as it usurps God’s role as the ultimate judge. Protection and Encouragement 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Principle: Believers are encouraged to support and build each other up, contributing positively to each other’s joy and spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Principle: The Bible encourages mutual support and encouragement among believers to foster spiritual growth and fulfillment. Respecting God’s Work in Others Philippians 1:6 (NIV) "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Principle: God is at work in every believer’s life, and others should respect and not interfere with this divine process. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."