Have you ever been hurt by an offensive word or action taken by someone else? Most of us have at one time or another! Even when we desire unity, some things seem to hinder our efforts. The opportunity to be offended will come, and sometimes more often than we like. How we respond to offenses is important to our relationships as we seek to unite with others.
Holding on to offenses can cause a progressive, downward spiral in our lives. When we are offended, we often begin to distrust, separate, and sometimes retaliate, causing us to become bitter and unforgiving. Satan often uses offenses to isolate us by pulling us into bondage and captivity. In 2 Timothy 2:22, the Bible instructs us to turn from and avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, controversies, strife, quarreling-offenses-instead be kind and gentle to everyone, pursue love, peace and unity with all believers-and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. We escape the trap of the enemy by letting go of offenses and pursuing love, peace and unity. The choice is ours!
The trap of picking up offenses can be very subtle, and we don’t want to take the bait! Often, the people who can hurt us the most seem to be those who are the closest to us (friends, family and even spouses). Holding on to offenses really hurts us more than it does others. We want to guard our heart against offenses and the damage it can do, not only to our relationships, but to our own well- being.
The Bible tells us that we are to love our enemies, bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us and pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44). WOW! That can be difficult! God wants us to grow up and mature in Him and He will help us to do just that. He desires that we be generous and gracious towards others. Again, it is our choice how we will respond.
We always want to be willing to mend a relationship with one who has offended us by leaving room for God to heal and repair any damage done. We want to seek God’s heart and direction on how to handle restoration. The Holy Spirit will guide us in the way we should go. His goal is always unity and reconciliation, and many times He will ask us to take the first step. This is not always easy, but it is possible with His help! When we are WILLING, God meets our natural willingness with His SUPERNATURAL power and does the MIRACULOUS!
- Let’s bring our offenses to God this week by answering the following questions:
Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there an offense that you have been holding on to?
- What does Matthew 24:10 tell us that we will see more of in the last days?
- What does Proverbs 18:19 tell us about one who is offended
- How does Acts 24:16 tell us we are to discipline ourselves?
- How are we to respond to those who hurt us according to Matthew 5:44?
Remember, Jesus came to give you LIFE and LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY! The abundant life is full, remarkable, supreme, and extraordinary. We can’t allow ANYTHING to HINDER us from living the full and wonderful life that He came to give us. Let go of offenses quickly and live FREE. Enjoy the beautiful life that God created you to live!
