Anyone familiar with this?, “That person has offended me so much, I will never forgive him.” Or, “Why did she do that to me? I am so offended right now, I can’t get it out of my mind!”
Whatever your thought pattern is, one thing is certain, everyone gets offended and might even offend others at one point or the other in life!
Therefore, this month, we shall be looking at the biblical perspective of dealing with offenses.
Dictionary meaning:
OFFENSE
1: something that outrages the moral or physical senses.
2a: the act of displeasing or affronting.
b: the state of being insulted or morally outraged.
3a: the offensive team or members of a team playing offensive positions.
b: the means or method of attacking or of attempting to score.
c: scoring ability
d: the act of attacking : ASSAULT
4a: an infraction of law.
especially : MISDEMEANOR
b: a breach of a moral or social code : SIN, MISDEED.
Note: The word “Offense” depicts a negative and unpleasant emotion or action.
Let us take a look at what Our Saviour and Master, The Lord Jesus Christ said about ‘Offenses ’ in Matthew 18:1-7
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?””
“Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
“Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”
With the illustration of the innocence, blissful trust and humility of a child, Jesus taught His disciples about who is greatest in His kingdom, the need to be child like in our faith, how impossible it is for anyone to enter His Kingdom, worst still, to offend His own and generally cause any kind of offense.
Interestingly, He said, offenses must inevitably come but woe to the person, it originates from!
Do you often offend other people? Are you the reason why others are unhappy and are about to give up on life because of your hurtful, negative, evil, bitter, hateful, inconsiderate, insensitive and selfish actions or words?
Or are you so offended, you cannot bear it any more?
Brethren, it is time to stop and allow Jesus take full control of your life!!!
We are called by God to help build up and encourage others.
Offense hinders the move and anointing of God in the life of a believer. You can never be bitter and anointed at the same time!
Now is the right time to forgive that person who has wronged you, whether he or she apologizes or not. Looking for who is right or wrong will surely aggravate matters.
Just allow the Holy Spirit fill your heart and mind with His love and the power to forgive.
Failure to obey this instruction will be a hindrance to your prayer, giving/offering to God, faith and communion with God.
May God forgive us of our sins if we have offended others, heal our hearts if we have been offended and help us maintain a life void of offense in Jesus’ Name.
Shalom!!
